I don't think having an English manager is important, as unfortunately the Premier League is demonstrating how few English managers are successful at the higher level.
Is Pardew's success at Palace going to his head along the lines of Gus in the past?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3258593/Alan-Pardew-desperate-one-big-clubs-ambitious-Crystal-Palace-boss-eyes-England-job.html
Stating he now wants to manage a big club or the England job...