Capello poised for England job

Fabio Capello is set to be named as England's new manager after the Football Association confirmed on Thursday that senior officials had approved the Italian's appointment.

Board approval
Adrian Bevington, the FA's director of communications, said in a statement: "Discussions have continued throughout the day between the FA and Fabio Capello's advisers. The FA board has also today approved Capello's appointment as England manager subject to the successful conclusion of these contract negotiations. These will continue tomorrow."

Qualifying failure
Bevington predicted a "successful conclusion" to the FA's pursuit of the 61-year-old Capello, who has been without a job since he was dismissed by Real Madrid CF last summer, despite having led the Spanish club to the league title. He will replace Steve McClaren, who was sacked last month following England's failure to qualify for next summer's UEFA EURO 2008™ finals.

Challenge
Capello, who has won seven national championships during a highly successful coaching career with AC Milan, Madrid, AS Roma and Juventus, will face the challenge of reviving an England team who finished third behind Croatia and Russia in their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying group. His first test will come when England play Switzerland in a Wembley friendly on 6 February.