Steve McClaren's psychological ploy worked a treat at Wembley on Saturday - and now the England coach wants more of the same from Wayne Rooney.

In praising the Manchester United striker's honest admission about two years of below-par performances for England earlier this week, McClaren also added the warning his 21-year-old forward was still far from the finished product.

By labelling Rooney as 'potentially world-class', McClaren was delivering the kind of back-handed compliment guaranteed to draw a reaction. And what a reaction it was.

Rooney may have been edged out of man-of-the-match honours by the excellent Gareth Barry during Saturday's 3-0 win over Estonia.

But the energy in his performance was something to behold and in scoring England's second, belting home Joe Cole's cross with a neat shot on the turn, Rooney was ending a goal drought in competitive combat that stretched back to Euro 2004.

And, while there was no public admission his jibe about Rooney's talent was specifically aimed at triggering the performance the Merseysider produced, McClaren did not really have to. His beaming smile said it all about a job very well done indeed.

"When players of this standard receive criticism, they have to prove themselves on the pitch," said the England coach.

"That is exactly what Wayne has done. Now he has to do is consistently.

"He admitted himself he had a point to prove and he has gone a long way to doing that.

"We all know Wayne is a threat and I repeat, he has the potential to be world class. I am delighted with his goal but his overall contribution to the team was very good. He got better and better as the game went on."

It was not a blanket assessment of England's all-round performance as their effectiveness tapered off markedly as the second half wore on.

However, that did not really matter as by the half hour point, McClaren's team were three goals to the good, had victory in the bag and were merely saving energy for Wednesday's meeting with Russia in Moscow where victory will seal a place at Euro 2008 with a month to spare.

Such a prospect was virtually unthinkable six months ago when McClaren and his team were mercilessly jeered and heckled by their own fans after an atrocious performance against Andorra in Barcelona.

At that point it did not appear McClaren would even survive the summer, let alone reach a point where can preside over such a stylish route to Austria and Switzerland.

"I said all along qualifying is a long campaign," reflected McClaren.

"I am not really surprised at the position we are in now. I have always had great belief in these players and the quality we have got.

"It just frustrated me at the time that we weren't doing better, just as it delights me that we finally are doing that now."

Indeed, the only remnant from that sorry day is the incessant booing of Frank Lampard, who was introduced for Michael Owen to a notably negative reaction.

Given Lampard could yet figure at the Luzhniki Stadium this week as McClaren toys with the idea of a 4-3-3 formation to stifle Guus Hiddink's men, it was one of only two real minuses.

The other was the loss of Ashley Cole to an ankle injury which is almost certain to see him miss the Russia trip, and possibly quite a while after that given the amount of pain the Chelsea full-back was in as he was stretchered down the tunnel.

Nicky Shorey, Phil Neville and Joleon Lescott, who looked hesitant as he made his debut from the bench, are the trio vying to replace Cole if, as expected, he is ruled out.

Skipper John Terry continues to improve and his fitness will be assessed on Monday morning before England head to the Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham for their first experience of the 'field turf' on which this week's game will be played.

McClaren now knows a win will seal his side's fate, while a draw would leave them requiring just a single point from their final game against Croatia at Wembley next month to confirm their place among the last 16.

Given the stakes are so high, it is perhaps understandable the former Middlesbrough coach prefers not to let minds become clouded by the pitch issue.

"I am not worried about it at all," he said.

"We have done our research over 100 games that have been played on it and there is no difference between the field turf surface and grass at all. Whatever we are presented with, we will cope with.

"Win on Wednesday and we will be through. What a great opportunity that is. We should have no fears about it at all."

Wayne Rooney scored but then gave away a harsh penalty as England lost 2-1 in Russia to lose their advantage in Euro 2008 qualifying Group E.

Rooney had given England a 29th-minute lead with a superb goal in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, but the striker was controversially adjudged to have fouled Konstantin Zyrianov in the box on 69 minutes - and substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko put away the resulting penalty.

And just four minutes later, Pavlyuchenko stole in to score again from close range after Paul Robinson had parried a Zyrianov shot into his path.

The result means Russia have now gained the initiative in Group E - and England will have to hope Guus Hiddink's side slip up in Israel next month.

In the first half, there had been a scare for England after 11 minutes when Aleksandr Kerzhakov went down in the box under a challenge from Joe Cole - but replays showed the Sevilla forward had dived.

Centre-back Vasili Berezutsky became the first player booked on 14 minutes for a late tackle on Cole.

England won their first corner shortly afterwards, and it ended in a Joleon Lescott header being tipped over the bar.

Soon after at the other end, full debutant Lescott and Ferdinand both made crucial blocks from two Russia shots, the second from Bilyaletdinov a real threat to Paul Robinson's goal.

Then on 26 minutes, Konstantin Zurianov's fizzing low shot from just inside the England area was tipped onto the post and wide for a corner by Robinson.

But England took the lead when Michael Owen leaped highest to flick on a long clearance from Micah Richards. Rooney expertly controlled the ball on his chest before smashing it past home goalkeeper Vladmir Gabulov into the centre of the goal.

After Rooney's goal, the home side started to exert considerable pressure and in the space of five minutes forced half-a-dozen corners.

Rooney required treatment on a leg injury soon after the restart but was soon back on the pitch, and on 50 minutes captain Steven Gerrard missed a gilt-edged opportunity to double England's lead.

Gareth Barry swung over a high free-kick from wide on the right, all the way over to an unmarked Gerrard at the far post - but his central midfield colleague sidefooted it just past the post when he should have scored.

Rio Ferdinand picked up a booking on 57 minutes for hauling down Zhirkov, and will now miss England's final qualifier at home to Croatia next month.

The pressure was increasing from the home side - and after 69 minutes, Pavluchenko equalised from the penalty spot.

Rooney tugged at the shirt of Zurianov, and Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo pointed to the penalty spot - though replays showed the offence was committed outside the area.

And with 17 minutes remaining, Pavlyuchenko turned the game on its head by scoring for the second time in four minutes.

Robinson parried away a rising shot from Alexei Berezutsky and the substitute reacted quickest to the rebound.

Steve McClaren responded by bringing on Frank Lampard, Stewart Downing and Peter Crouch in place of Wright-Phillips, Lescott and Joe Cole.

Rooney had a low shot turned around the post by Gabulov and Campbell headed over from a Barry corner - but Russia ran out winners.

Afterwards England boss Steve McClaren rounded on the referee after seeing his side suffer a potentially fatal blow.

"We had it. It was in our grasp and we've ended up losing it," McClaren said.

"I've just seen the penalty again. It's an absolute disgrace .

"It's outside the box. The linesman didn't give it. It was the referee from quite some distance. Things like that turn games.

"We were comfortable. They were running out of ideas and that just turned the game.

"It was a mad four minutes after that and unfortunately we conceded a second.

"But I can't fault the players for the gameplan, the way they've endeavoured to work, the commitment, the blocks we got in, the headers."

"We've ended up losing a game that really, after 70 minutes, I never thought we'd lose."

Jose Mourinho is favourite with most bookmakers to take over from Steve McClaren as England boss.

The former Chelsea manager cannot manage another Premier League club in the near future without compromising his compensation package from Chelsea, but he is known to be happy living in England.

The FA are expected to dispense with McClaren when failure to qualify for Euro 2008 is confirmed and will return to a non-English boss after the disaster of the former Boro manager's reign.

Most bookmakers now make Mourinho the favourite, while Martin O'Neill, Luis Felipe Scolari, Arsene Wenger and Guus Hiddink have all been heavily backed.

Hiddink has only recently signed a new two-year extension to his contract with Russia, and he is unlikely to risk upsetting Roman Abramovich by walking out on that job.

Scolari meanwhile was put off by the English press when he was considered for the role after Sven-Goran Eriksson left the job.

Jose Mourinho would be interested in managing England, according to some newspaper reports on Friday morning.

The Sun claims that, should England fail to qualify for Euro 2008, as seems inevitable, Mourinho would be willing to 'discuss the job' with the FA.

Mourinho has a clause in his severance agreement with Chelsea stating that he cannot manage another English club side until 2008, but the provision does not include the national job.

The Portuguese boss is favourite with most bookies to take over, but his apparent preferance to manage a club side - most likely in either Italy or Germany - seemed to put him out of the frame.

However, The Sun quotes the ubiquitous 'close pal' of Mourinho as saying:

"He knows English football as well as anyone and sees it as a great challenge to coach the national side.

"His record speaks for itself and if the FA parted company with McClaren, Jose is willing to discuss the job with them."

The Times is less confident of Mourinho's interest, and instead puts Jurgen Klinsmann forward as an alternative candidate.

COME AND SAVE US JOSE
Jose Mourinho is the unanimous favourite to take over as England boss after Steve McClaren's men were dumped out of Euro 2008.

Needing just a point to reach next summer's finals, England lost 3-2 at home to Croatia and Hills are now no longer betting on McClaren staying in his job.

"We went 13/8 for him to be gone within twenty four hours at half-time of the game (when England trailed 2-0) but now we believe he has no chance whatsoever of staying in his job so are not prepared to give money away by betting on him to go," said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Coral did offer odds for those who think McClaren's exit was a formality but their 1/40 suggests his tenure is hanging by a thread.

McClaren won't throw the towel in himself though and said after the game: "I'm not stepping down. Ultimately I take responsibility and I accept that. It was my job to get us qualified and I failed to do that.

"I don't want to discuss my future at the present moment. I am trying to get over that result."

All the bookies appear to be in agreement that Mourinho is the man the FA will turn to next in a bid to revive England's fortunes.

Hills made him their 5/1 favourite when the final whistle went, while Paddy Power chalked up 4/1.

Coral and Sky Bet favour the ex-Chelsea boss even more and quote 3/1.

Martin O'Neill is second favourite in most books while Phil Scolari and Guus Hidding are also prominent.

Of the English-born candidates, Hills make Stuart Pearce 10/1 and Alan Shearer 12s. Sam Allardyce is 16s with Paddy Power.

On Betfair, England were trading at 1.64 to beat Croatia at kick-off and had earlier been backed at 1.01 (1/100) to qualify.

Their qualification odds drifted to 3.5 (5/2) when Croatia swept into an early 2-0 lead and Russia went in front against Andorra but were back down to 1.1 (1/10) when Peter Crouch volleyed England level at 2-2.

Betfair reported that ?5m was wagered on the match odds market.

England's failure to qualify will have a big impact on turnover and Coral's David Stevens reflected: "England's absence at next summer's tournament is bad news all round, and certainly we would expect betting interest to be hit hard."
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SVEN UNDERSTANDS CLAMOUR FOR JOSE
Jose Mourinho will be taking on "the biggest job in world football" if he becomes England's next manager, according to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has emerged as the favourite to replace Steve McClaren after refusing to rule himself out of the running.

Manchester City manager Eriksson, who led England for five years before stepping down after the 2006 World Cup, said: "I can understand the clamour for Mourinho. He is colourful and the media love him, so of course I can understand it.

"He has also been very successful, but to be the England manager you must win every game, not do anything in your private life and hopefully not earn too much money! They are the only qualities you need and if you have those, you are perfect.

"I don't want to say that I am supporting Mourinho because I support everyone and it is not my job. But the biggest football job in Europe and in the world is to be the England manager. That is it.

"The Champions League is big and it is fantastic, but to compare it to the World Cup? No chance. The World Cup is, and will be forever, the number one, so to play in the World Cup or be involved as a manager is the biggest by far."

Eriksson became the first foreigner to take charge of England when he replaced Kevin Keegan in 2001 and he believes Mourinho's success at Porto and Chelsea will ensure him the respect of England's player.

"Mourinho has already shown that he is big with Porto and with Chelsea, so if he has been winning trophies for them, he can do it with England as well," Eriksson said.

"The job is not that different. Once you have the players on the pitch, it is the same as being a manager at a club. Knowing the players as he does would be an advantage, of course.

"He knows all the Chelsea players and he worked with them for three years in the Premier League, so that would help him, especially in the beginning.

"Is he too young to be an international manager? Well that is completely up to him."

The Football Association are canvassing opinion from top names in football over the vacancy and Eriksson is prepared to aid their search.

He said: "The FA have not asked me, but if they phone and ask me, then yes of course I will tell them."
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Jose Mourinho's adviser has rejected any notion the former Chelsea boss is using the Football Association as a negotiating tool in order to land a massive club job in Europe.

Mourinho has emerged as the bookies' favourite to succeed Steve McClaren as England coach, with reports suggesting the FA could be prepared to pay as much as ?million a year in order to attract him.

So far, no contact has been made with Mourinho by FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who, along with director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, has been charged with the task of finding the next England coach.

Mourinho was at pains to avoid committing himself one way or another when a British TV crew arrived at his Portuguese home in Setubal but different sources close to the former Porto coach have offered widely differing views over his willingness to replace McClaren.

Some say he is keen on the job, others that he wants to stay in club management, with AC Milan emerging as a likely destination given their current poor form.

However, according to Mourinho's trusted advisor Eladio Parames, there is no way he would use one job to get another.

"That is all lies, Mourinho would never do that."

Mourinho is currently on holiday with his family and Parames confirmed anyone interested would have to speak with his agent Jorge Mendes.

"Jose has not been contacted by any club or even the FA, so there have been no developments in his situation," said Parames.

"If any club is interested in talking to him they must contact Jorge Mendes.

"Nothing has happened. It is all just speculation."

The FA are determined not to be rushed, despite the demand from outside forces for a quick decision.

Instead, Barwick and Brooking are continuing their fact-finding discussions with senior footballing figures.

Although the process has been viewed in some quarters as simply a question of a handpicked group offering an opinion as to who should get the job, the real reason for the talks is to determine what other elements are required to provide whoever is the new coach the best chance possible of being a success.

Brooking spent Saturday afternoon in Staines with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was watching his son Darren's side Peterborough advance into the FA Cup third round.

Ferguson is one of the men who have been identified as being able to provide priceless advice on the job, while another, former England boss Sir Bobby Robson, used his newspaper column to trumpet the claims of Mourinho.

Fabio Capello is another candidate, having already declared his interest, while others such as Jurgen Klinsmann, Guus Hiddink, Marcello Lippi and Luiz Felipe Scolari continue to be discussed - as does Martin O'Neill, even though the Aston Villa boss has twice attempted to rule himself out of the running.

One thing is for certain - while some continue to question the attractiveness of the England job, the England team remains a big draw across the globe despite their failure to reach Euro 2008.

While England are without a competitive game this summer, it is still possible a May meeting with old enemy Scotland could be arranged in front of what would definitely be a capacity crowd at Wembley.

However, Barwick is also considering over half a dozen friendly offers received while he was in Durban for the World Cup draw, proving how attractive England still are.

Australia are keen to get England to visit Melbourne, while North America, the Middle East and the Far East are other potential destinations.

Ideally, the FA would prefer to wait for a new manager to be appointed before finalising their plans but the practicalities of the situation may mean that is not possible.

A World Cup fixtures meeting in Zagreb on December 19, when England's precise campaign in a qualifying group containing Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra will be agreed, may have an impact depending on who the Three Lions end up facing in September.

Parames later claimed Mourinho would "consider" any approach from the FA - but warned they must make the first move.

"We don't know if Mr Barwick comes or doesn't come," Parames said on Sky Sports News.

"If he comes, of course he can talk with his agent.

"They'll listen, like they'll listen if there comes another club or another situation."

He added: "I'm sure he'd consider the offer."

Mourinho has previously indicated a preference for a club job, but Parames said: "To be manager of England is not the same as being manager of another country.

"To be manager of England is a big job.

"It's a very, very interesting job."

Parames added: "Every coach would be honoured to be invited (to be England manager).

"There are a lot of things pushing him to say 'yes' because the football is spectacular, the players are very good players.

"But he likes his privacy, he likes his life not in the papers."

Parames also revealed Mourinho was well aware of the clamour for his appointment, saying: "We know there is a movement in England for Jose. The people like him.

"It's very nice, this situation."
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Martin O'Neill does not believe an intention to focus on the senior side cost him the England job in 2006 - but the Aston Villa boss looks no closer to throwing his hat into the ring this time after seemingly backing the claims of Jose Mourinho.

O'Neill was interviewed for the role before Steve McClaren's appointment but instead took over at Villa Park, with many believing a reluctance to devote himself to issues beyond the England team counted against him.

While the 55-year-old admits the results of the first XI are the bottom line, and ultimate priority, for coaches - something McClaren found out to his peril - he also believes international bosses have time to work on the structure around them.

And he insists former Chelsea boss Mourinho is a man who could do that successfully for the Football Association.

He told The Times: "(Let's) just say I think Jose would be an excellent choice, simple as that."

Referring to the suggestion that his views on England's development policy saw him miss out in the race to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson, he added: "That was not true. International football goes the same as club football, you have to win games.

"A first-team manager's job at most football clubs is pretty transient and your job is to win games.

"When I step into a football club the first job is not to concern myself with with how good the youth team are, I have to worry about today's results.

"If you don't get enough results today, the youth set-up won't be a bother to you at all - because you won't be there."

Reflecting on the scope available to the man eventually chosen by Brian Barwick and the FA - with O'Neill reportedly joining the likes of favourite Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Jurgen Klinsmann on the shortlist - O'Neill said: "An England manager should have the time (to put a good structure in place) because he doesn't have to organise a training session every morning, so it should be his business to get around and see how the structure operates, to see what is happening at clubs.

"But eventually...it's about winning games at first-team level then hoping you can develop something that will stand the football club in great stead, or allow you to make a mark at international level over a period of time."

FA insiders say they would be surprised if McClaren's successor is not installed before the next international - the friendly against Switzerland on February 6 at Wembley.

Officially however, they insist that time is not a factor in the appointment process.

FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "We are determined to get the right man, at the right time.

"Brian Barwick has been charged with finding a manager to recommend to the FA board and is well under way with the process."

Barwick's consultations with people including Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and several former England managers have not just focused on candidates but on what the FA can do around the national team set-up to give McClaren's successor the best chance to succeed.
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Jose Mourinho has once again refused to rule himself out of the running to succeed Steve McClaren as England coach, despite Arsene Wenger's claim the job should go to an Englishman.

With Mourinho, Fabio Capello, Marcello Lippi, Jurgen Klinsmann and Ulsterman Martin O'Neill the current bookies' favourites, there appears little chance of Wenger's plea being heeded, even though he was one the major footballing figures the Football Association have consulted over the job.

However, Soho Square chiefs remain optimistic there will be some English presence within the new coaching team, no matter who is eventually appointed.

Mourinho remains the most popular choice and amid reports he had flown into London for talks with FA chief executive Brian Barwick, the former Chelsea boss emerged from his home in Setubal and continued a game of cat-and-mouse which leaves no-one clear about his intentions.

Rather than either commit to the job - as Capello did almost as soon as McClaren was dumped - or reject the idea of it, as some fear the 44-year-old will to pursue a career in club management, Mourinho again skirted around the issue.

"Why not?" was his reply when asked if he could be the next England manager by Sky Sports.

Mourinho then went on to reveal why he had cancelled a trip to the UK.

He declared: "I am in Portugal. I would like to be in London with my family for a couple of days but nobody would believe the reason why I would be there - to see friends and family and do some Christmas shopping.

"So to try to stop the speculation I decided not to go and stay here. It is sunny and beautiful."

Off camera Mourinho said the England post was a big one and the type he was looking for but he denied he was using the Football Association in a bid to get a club job.

"Being England manager is a big job," he added. "A big job is what I want.

"I'm not using The FA to get another job. I was upset when I heard the reports.

"People need to trust The FA. They should let them do their job properly. The fans should support the next man more than ever."

With an extensive consultative process now complete, and reports of a rift between them angrily rejected, Barwick and FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking must now determine their next plan of action.

Almost certainly, contact will be made in the next few days with all the major candidates, and it is inconceivable Mourinho will not be one of them.

Whether the likes of Gareth Southgate and Steve Coppell are also on the list is extremely doubtful, although Wenger, probably the only man who could rival Mourinho for the job in the affections of England fans, thinks they should.

"I do not understand your logic because when people play with the English national team, you want them to represent the qualities," he said.

"So why do you go for a foreign guy? It is like you go to war and say 'now we choose a general from Portugal or a general from Italy'. Would that cross your mind? Never.

"You have plenty of people who are good enough. Give them a chance."

Wenger's heartfelt comments do not take into account the need for the FA to come up with an appointment that will set pulses racing among England fans who are still coming to terms with the pitiful manner of their side's exit from the European Championship qualifying campaign.

And, while Southgate or England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce epitomised everything positive about the Three Lions during their illustrious playing days, they still have some way to go before anyone is truly convinced about their ability to manage at the highest level.

Still, the FA recognise the need to have some semblance of Englishness within the coaching set-up.

"Brian (Barwick) would very much like to have an English influence around the dressing room and senior management side of things," FA director of communications Adrian Bevington told talkSPORT.

"I am sure there is a way to make it work."

Bevington made it clear nothing would be imposed on any new manager and stressed there is no timescale to an appointment, other than a hope McClaren's successor would be on board prior to the friendly with Switzerland on February 6.

And, in a significant lift to the chances of Capello or Lippi, he also said an inability to speak English was not a major handicap either.

No matter which way they move now, Barwick and Brooking will be scrutinised like never before.

However, they remain resolute in their determination to see the job through together, with the normally placid Brooking driven to distraction by reports of a major falling-out between the pair.

"There is no disagreement whatsoever between Brian and me on who the next England manager should be," said Brooking.

"Brian and I are extremely annoyed at what appears to be an effort to destabilise our work together to find the next England manager."
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Fabio Capello is expected to fly into London today for talks with the FA that should conclude with him becoming the new England coach.

The Italian has been the hot favourite to succeed Steve McClaren since Jose Mourinho pulled out of the running on Monday night and according to reports he's now set to meet FA chief executive Brian Barwick and the FA's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking later today.

Barwick and Brooking have both worked closely throughout the recruitment process and finally look set to get the man who has frequently maintained his interest in the post, describing it as a "beautiful challenge".

Whether the appointment is ratified by the FA board later this week or at their planned meeting next Wednesday, Capello now seems certain to be coach when England next take the field against Switzerland on February 6.

Aside from the game where David Beckham should win his 100th cap, it also marks the long road towards the World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in September.
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Fabio Capello flew home to Italy on Wednesday evening knowing his next trip to London would almost certainly mark his coronation as England manager.

Capello, the number one target of Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, was involved in discussions over the possibility of succeeding Steve McClaren.

Fittingly, the FA are believed to have chosen Wembley Stadium, where Capello will be asked to deliver a winning team, to outline their plans to the 61-year-old.

And, on the basis the job would be Capello's unless something went disastrously wrong during the interview process, the only conclusion to be drawn is that England will soon have an Italian in charge.

"I can confirm that Brian Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking have today held talks with Fabio Capello in London," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington.

"I am pleased to say that these discussions were extremely positive and without any problems.

"Fabio has tonight returned to Italy to honour a prior commitment.

"Understandably, further talks are now taking place between Fabio's advisors and ourselves."

With Capello no longer part of the negotiating process, it seems only the finer points of a contract expected to take in the entire 2010 World Cup qualifying programme need to be thrashed out.

Barwick and Brooking will then present their recommendation to the FA Board, with Capello just waiting for a call to tell him to board a flight back to England from Rome for an official unveiling that should take place early next week at the absolute latest and probably before.

Providing there are no unforeseen hitches, Barwick and Brooking can feel very pleased with themselves.

Although there is little doubt Jose Mourinho would have been a popular choice among England fans, many felt Capello should have been top of the FA's list from the start.

With nine league titles on an impressive CV encompassing spells at Juventus, AC Milan and Real Madrid, Capello has proved his credentials at the very highest level.

His age and background also means he is far less susceptible to the lures of a European giant, as seems to have been the case with Mourinho, a point that would no doubt have been made quite forcefully by Sir Alex Ferguson in his meeting with Barwick and Brooking.

Ferguson may be a Scot but he carries plenty of weight in the English game and in so forcefully commending the appointment of Capello on Tuesday - a view backed by that of Arsene Wenger - he virtually confirmed Capello's appointment.

The Italian will doubtless return home for the festive period after his first public engagements are completed, before returning to England in the New Year.

His first official task will be to head the FA delegation at a World Cup fixtures meeting due to take place in Zagreb in mid-January.

He will then discuss England's summer plans, which could yet include a meeting with Scotland at Wembley on May 28, before finalising the squad for his first game in charge against Switzerland at Wembley on February 6.

David Beckham, who he dropped and then reinstated to his Real Madrid side last season, will almost certainly be included for his 100th cap.

However, the FA have already declared they have no intention of advising Capello about his captain, despite reports senior figures within Soho Square are unhappy with John Terry.

Steve McClaren plumped for Terry as his captain above Steven Gerrard, believing the Chelsea man's inspirational qualities would be a major asset in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

However, certain off-field events, plus the sight of Terry grabbing a red card out of the hand of referee Mike Dean when Jon Obi Mikel was sent off at Manchester United this season, have raised a question over whether the 28-year-old should be afforded his exalted status.

Nevertheless, the FA are hardly likely to appoint someone with the managerial experience and mental toughness of Capello and then dictate who should be his captain or in his squad.

Bevington said: "As opposed to quotes from unnamed sources, as the official spokesman of the Football Association, I am happy to confirm that the new manager, whoever he will be, will decide on who the team and who the captain is."
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Fabio Capello's appointment as England manager has been approved by the FA board - and the Italian is now set to sign a contract worth an astonishing £6.5million a year.

Final discussions on the details of Capello's contract will take place on Saturday, but sources close to the FA board say they have approved a deal worth £4million annually - after tax.

That will place Capello's earnings on a par with England captain John Terry's £130,000-a-week, and shows the FA are willing to spend big to secure the 'world-class' coach they have been looking for.

By contrast, Sven-Goran Eriksson was on a deal worth £4million a year and Steve McClaren on £2.5million - but the failure to qualify for Euro 2008 cost the FA at least £12million and probably considerably more in terms of damage to the England brand.

It is understood Capello wants to bring three or four fellows Italians with him for his coaching staff, including trusted aide Franco Baldini as his assistant.

The 61-year-old has also expressed a desire to have English coaches as part of his set-up as well, and will decide who these should be at a later date.

Contrary to some reports however, Baldini will not fulfil the role of the FA's technical director.

FA executives spent the day in talks with Capello's advisors going through the details of the contract, and those will continue tomorrow but the deal is all but done.

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "Discussions have continued throughout the day between the FA and Fabio Capello's advisors.

"The FA board has also approved Capello's appointment as England manager subject to the successful conclusion of these contract negotiations.

"These will continue on Saturday. I want to stress that there are no problems and that we are going through the necessary process to reach a successful conclusion."

The FA board approved the appointment through a conference call, although at least one member felt the decision could have waited until next week's full board meeting on December 19, given the size of the contract.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick is keen to get the deal sewn up however and sees little to gain from delaying the decision. Barwick is also comfortable with Capello's plans for his coaching staff, especially since the Italian himself proposed having English coaches as part of his set-up.

There will not be an immediate announcement of who these might be - candidates suggested have included Stuart Pearce and Alan Shearer - as it will be Capello who chooses them.

Baldini, who has worked with Capello at his former clubs Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus, told the BBC: "Capello will be England coach for sure.

"I understand the FA has, in principle, said 'yes' to me doing this job as well. If I do not, I think Capello will still be England coach, but maybe he will be a little less comfortable."

Capello described the England job as a "beautiful challenge" following McClaren's departure in November, and has been given the backing of a number of senior figures in football.

Eriksson believes the FA "cannot go wrong" with Capello.

He said: "I have known Fabio Capello for many years. I was his opponent in Serie A for 10 years.

"He is a very good man and manager. His record speaks very clear. He has won titles in Italy.

"When you talk about that level (international) and mention Mourinho, Lippi, Capello, Ferguson and Wenger you cannot go wrong as they are all good managers.

"Of course Capello will treat the players right. But all the people I have told you about can do it.

"If you are winning big titles you always have big stars in your team. Capello is one of the best managers you can find."

Capello has only limited English but Eriksson added: "That won't be a problem. It certainly wasn't for me as I spoke to him in Italian!"
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Fabio Capello is set to become the best paid coach in international football when he signs for a £6.5million-a-year contract to be the next England manager.

The Football Association board have approved a deal that will see Capello earn £4million annually after tax - the same as England captain John Terry's £130,000-a-week.

The size of the salary is an indication of the FA's determination to sign a 'world-class' coach after the failure to qualify for Euro 2008 cost them at least £12million and probably considerably more in terms of damage to the England brand.

The final details of the contract are expected to be hammered out on Friday, after which it will be announced that Capello will bring three or four fellow Italians with him for his coaching staff, including his trusted aide Franco Baldini as his assistant.

The 61-year-old has also expressed a desire to have English coaches as part of his set-up as well, and will decide who these should be at a later date.

Contrary to some reports however, Baldini will not fulfil the role of the FA's technical director.

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "Discussions have continued throughout yesterday between the FA and Fabio Capello's advisors.

"The FA board has also approved Capello's appointment as England manager subject to the successful conclusion of these contract negotiations.

"I want to stress that there are no problems and that we are going through the necessary process to reach a successful conclusion."

The FA board approved the appointment through a conference call, although at least one member felt the decision could have waited until next week's full board meeting on December 19, given the size of the contract.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick is keen to get the deal sewn up, however, and sees little to gain from delaying the decision.

Barwick is also comfortable with Capello's plans for his coaching staff, especially since the Italian himself proposed having English coaches as part of his set-up.

There will not be an immediate announcement of who these might be - candidates suggested have included Stuart Pearce and Alan Shearer - as it will be Capello who chooses them.

Baldini, who has worked with Capello at his former clubs Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus, said: "Capello will be England coach for sure.

"I understand the FA has, in principle, said 'yes' to me doing this job as well. If I do not, I think Capello will still be England coach, but maybe he will be a little less comfortable."
source