Capello to stand down from England duties after Euro 2012
Published:Fabio Capello will definitely leave the England post after the Euro 2012 finals as he wants to live a more stress-free lifestyle as a pensioner.
After a disappointing World Cup, Capello has taken steps to win back over the national team’s supporters by leading England to victories in their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
These successes have put England joint top of Group G with Montenegro, who they face in their next qualifying outing.
However, Capello has indicated that he will stand down after the tournament if England make it to Poland and the Ukraine to enjoy his life in older age.
The 64-year-old Italian said: “We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old – I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner.”
England’s lacklustre exit to Germany in the World Cup left many criticising Capello’s managerial skills and many called for him to quit on the spot.
However, he vowed to remain as boss and will now see out the remainder of his contract, which earns him £6m a year and runs out in 2012.
England are 8/1 to win Euro 2012, which would be the ideal parting gift from Capello, before the search begins for a new manager.
One of the key changes that Capello has made since South Africa has been the introduction of a new younger group of players, with Joe Hart, Adam Johnson and Phil Jagielka all looking like they have promising international futures in the opening two victories in Group G.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has returned to his most effective position in the centre of the midfield, leaving the prospect that former certain starters including Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Frank Lampard may struggle to force their way back into the team.
Wales are the fifth team to make up Group G that could stand between England and reaching Euro 2012. See the whole Euro 2012 winners market.
