The search for the new England manager has begun after Fabio Capello left in a storm surrounding his disagreement with the English Football Association. The disagreement was over the removal of John Terry as captain while allegations of racism were hanging over his head. Capello made a public statement that he didn't believe a decision should have pre-empted the legal ruling. He met with the FA following those statements and resigned following that meeting.
Did Fabio Capello Fail As England Manager?
Capello brought a lot of hope when he arrived as the new England boss. He left with one of the best ever winning percentages, but his tenure will not be remembered positively. He failed to hail in a new era, communication difficulties were apparent, and his attempt to rule with an iron fist was a major flop. The World Cup in South Africa was England's biggest disappointment in an international football tournament since Euro 2000. Expectations were low heading into Euro 2012 with Wayne Rooney suspended and England stumbling through qualification and stumbling in general. It is arguable that Capello took over a team that was past its best, and had under-performed during its prime. However, he won't be remembered any better than his predecessors Steve McClaren and Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Is Harry Redknapp The Right Man?
The early favourite to take the job, both of the media and seemingly the FA, is Harry Redknapp. Redknapp has a reputation in English football as a manager who has improved every club where he has taken the job. His most recent assignment with Tottenham has seen him take the team to third place in the English Premier League. Redknapp is passionate and advocates an attacking blend of football. He is indisputably the English manager with the best CV right now, but there are some questions of tactical naivety in Redknapp, and will he even want to leave Tottenham to take the job
If Not Redknapp, Then Who?
It is clear that the FA and fans want an English manager to manage England, but alternatives to Redknapp are not extensive. Roy Hodgson and Alan Pardew manage in the Premier League, but neither are favourites to be offered the role. Stuart Pearce has managed the under-21 set-up, but isn't known as a particularly strong tactician and isn't particularly popular in the media either.
It would not be a surprise at all if the FA turned to Pearce, or even an Alan Shearer to manage the side for Euro 2012, while they try and coax a bigger fish for the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign and beyond. The reality is that Capello's resignation did not come at an ideal time, and this doesn't help an already imperfect Euro 2012 preparation.
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