England close on deal for Capello

FABIO CAPELLO flew home to Italy last night knowing his next trip to London would almost certainly mark his coronation as England manager.

Capello, the number one target of Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and director of football development Trevor Brooking, was involved in intense and prolonged discussions over the possibility of succeeding Steve McClaren.

And, on the basis the job would be 61-year-old Capello’s unless something went disastrously wrong during the interview process, the only conclusion to be drawn is that England will soon have an Italian in charge.