Fabio Capello is to remain as England manager.
The Football Association confirmed the news this afternoon,
bringing a swift end to speculation about the Italian's future.
'I am more determined than ever to succeed with the England
team,' said Capello.
Still the boss: Capello will remain in charge of
the England team
The decision was taken following a meeting of the four-man Club
England board, which decided unanimously to keep Capello, despite
the Three Lions' woeful performance at the World Cup.
The full Football Association board subsequently ratified the
recommendation, which means Capello will now continue in his
£6million-a-year role until the end of Euro 2012.
'Sir Dave Richards has called me to tell me everyone at the FA
wants me to continue,' said Capello.
'I explained it is very important we use the disappointment as a
motivation in the future.
'I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European
qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in
August.'
Crushed: England players come to terms with the 4-1
hammering from Germany
In the immediate aftermath of England's record 4-1 defeat by
Germany in Bloemfontein last Sunday, it was felt Capello would have
to go, even though it had not been four weeks since he signed a
revised contract, removing a break clause that would have taken
effect after the World Cup.
Yet, within 24 hours, Capello was signalling his intention to
continue, leaving the FA in no doubt they would be forced into a
costly compensation exercise should they decide to part company
with the 64-year-old.
Crucially, while many former players, including Alan Shearer,
demanded Capello's sacking, those far closer to the action adopted
a different approach. Bolton chairman - and senior FA figure - Phil
Gartside, threw his weight behind Capello, which was seen as
crucial given he is a long-time ally of Club England chairman Sir
David Richards.
Another member of the FA hierarchy, David Sheepshanks, urged
caution at virtually the same time as Roy Hodgson, the overwhelming
favourite to replace Capello, was being installed as Liverpool
manager.
Tails between their legs: Players and staff arrive
back after the tournament
The FA did have alternative options in Harry Redknapp and Stuart
Pearce. But given how much it was going to cost them, Capello's
admittedly impressive record prior to the entire World Cup finals
campaign, which started badly with the ill-fated 'Capello Index'
and got worse virtually by the day, and the need to end the
uncertainty, Richards feels the FA have reached the correct
conclusion.
'We are all still extremely disappointed at our performance in
South Africa, and we believed it was important that we took some
time to reflect on everything in a calm and considered manner back
in England,' said Richards.
'After fully discussing our performance we remain convinced that
Fabio is the best man for the job.
'He went into the World Cup with a reputation as one of World
football's finest managers and we are confident Fabio will benefit
from his first international tournament experience and this will
undoubtedly make us all stronger for the Euro 2012 campaign.'
Contender: Redknapp was touted as a
replacement
Although it had been suggested some members of the FA board were
unhappy at the way the Club England offshoot had taken full
responsibility for the post-South Africa period, acting chairman
Roger Burden expressed his support for the move.
He said: 'The FA Board supports this decision. It is the right
decision and will allow us now to rebuild for the future with Fabio
leading us forward.'
Capello can now continue with the holiday he went on within
hours of his arrival back in London, and start preparing for the
friendly with Hungary on August 11 and then the Euro 2012
qualifying programme, which starts with a home game against
Bulgaria on September 3.
He has already offered a list of players who were not in South
Africa who can hope to be involved, including Manchester City
winger Adam Johnson, Arsenal trio Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs and
Jack Wilshere and Fulham forward Bobby Zamora.
'We will look to introduce new players to give the team new
energy and I will use all my experience to take England forward,'
said Capello.
'I am extremely proud to be the England manager, it means so
much to me and I am determined to succeed.'