Nov

23

capello.jpgINTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Come back Glen Hoddle, all is forgiven!

That was the call from former England captain Paul Ince following the sacking of Steve McClaren as English manager on Thursday.

While such a call won't be echoed by all it shows exactly how desperate the England National set-up has become.

The 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Croatia saw England fail to qualify for next summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

Not only did the result send shockwaves throughout European football but the woeful display by the millionaire players left many fans fuming and asking do these players have any pride in their nation or are they more concerned about their lucrative club careers?

Now the FA have to begin looking for a new national manager to turn their fortunes around with the likes of former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello (pictured above) very much in the frame for one of World football's most highly paid and highly scrutinized positions.

The 61-year-old Italian said on Thursday that " It would be a beautiful challenge. I am the right age."

As well as managing Real Madrid in the past Capello has had massive success at AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus.

Many were disappointed that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho ruled himself out the running this week. The Portugese maverick says he wants to return to football very soon but only with a club. However don't be suprised if the outspoken Mourinho does a u-turn, if anybody is likely to then it's the 'special one'.

martin o neill.jpg
Other candidates who are still in the early running include Aston Villa manager Martin O' Neill (pictured left), Luis Scolari, Guss Hiddink and Marcelo Lippi.

All the leading candidates so far then are non English.

If a foreigner was to become manager of the country it would be the first time that the FA opted for such a move.

Of the English challengers Reading's Steve Coppell and Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp are the main contenders.

However in a suprise move Liverpool manager Raphael Benitez shocked reporters by saying that he would be very interested in the position.

The Spaniard said "Maybe I could be Steve McClaren's replacement if I improve my English. I am serious, you never know what can happen in the future."

The FA say they will take their time in deciding who will lead England in the next World Cup qualifiers.

After failing to qualify for the Euro Championships England will now be second seeds for Sunday's World Cup qualifying draw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This page contains a single entry by Graham Clifford published on November 23, 2007 12:48 PM .

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