Capello begins work as England manager

Fabio Capello began work at Soho Square this morning and declared he has been wanting to manage England “for a long time”.

Although Capello was at Villa Park and Kenilworth Road over the weekend to watch two closely contested FA Cup ties, his reign as Steve McClaren’s successor did not officially begin until today.

“It is a huge honour for me to today begin my work as England manager,” said the Italian.

“I have wanted this job for a long time.

“I have had the privilege of managing some of the most successful clubs in the world, but the England job is as big as any.”

One of Capello's first tasks was to discuss a strategy for next Monday's World Cup fixtures meeting in Zagreb with the FA's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking.

In addition, the 61-year-old discussed outline plans for England’s summer campaign now they have been eliminated from Euro 2008.

He also held a ’very good’ meeting with England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce, the man many people feel will be brought in to accompany the four Italians on Capello’s coaching team.

“I want to have a close working relationship with him (Pearce),” he said.

“The Under-21s play an important part in the England [Senior] Team’s development.”