Capello set for England job talks
LONDON: Football Association (FA) officials are set to interview Italian coach Fabio Capello about the vacant job of England manager, British media reported on Tuesday.
Already a strong candidate, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus coach's stock has risen after former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho withdrew on Monday from the race for the England hotseat.
Several newspapers reported that the FA would be meeting Capello this week, although fellow Italian Marcello Lippi, who steered Italy to its 2006 World Cup triumph, is also seen as a candidate.
Capello has expressed his interest in the England job following last month's sacking of Steve McClaren for his failure to steer the team to next year's European Championship.
"It would be a beautiful challenge. I am the right age," Capello told the Gazzetta dello Sport last month.
The 61-year-old Italian is seen as a tough disciplinarian who sets great store by a team's defensive strengths.
He was dismissed as Real coach at the end of last season despite winning the Spanish title and has been working as a commentator for Italy's Rai television.
Mourinho ruled himself out for the vacant job as England coach on Monday.
"After deep and serious thinking I decided to exclude myself from being England manager despite it being a fantastic position for me," Mourinho said.
Agencies
(China Daily 12/12/2007 page24)
