Capello set for England job

THE Football Association is ready to make Fabio Capello the new England manager.

Confirmation of Jose Mourinho's withdrawal from the race to succeed Steve McClaren has paved the way for Capello to take the job, providing he backs up a publicly-stated desire to lead England back to the pinnacle of the international game in face-to-face meetings with FA chief executive Brian Barwick.

While the pair, and FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, have yet to meet, talks have taken place with Capello's advisors. It is anticipated the 61-year-old will fly into London at some point within the next 48 hours and, although Martin O'Neill, Marcello Lippi and Jurgen Klinsmann continue to be discussed, it now appears inevitable Capello will get the job.

A veteran of nine title wins during an illustrious career including spells at Juventus, AC Milan and Real Madrid, Capello certainly fits the 'world-class' tag Barwick insisted was the minimum criteria required to replace McClaren, who was axed after England failed to reach Euro 2008.