Torn apart, limb from limb

FABIO CAPELLO insisted hewould not resign after England’smiserable 4-1 defeat to Germany sent them out of the World Cup but such is the blame culture in English football that it may yet be impossible for the Italian to remain in charge for the European Championships, so disappointing was the nature of yesterday’s capitulation.

It wasn’t just that England were soundly beaten by a young German team that was by no means one of the pre-tournament favourites, it was the fact that once again the Premiership’s star players reverted to type under pressure in a big tournament.

The hope was that after two years working under Capello, England would have the ability to change their style in this World Cup and play a more controlled, Italian-style game.