The knives were out for Fabio Capello today as he faced growing opposition from within the Football Association.
Sources said it was unlikely he would remain in charge of the England team after a disastrous World Cup campaign. Capello said at a press conference in South Africa that he had no intention of resigning, adding: "I like this job. I like to be England manager."
But the 64-year-old Italian failed to get a public vote of confidence from his bosses, with the FA saying it wanted two weeks to decide his future. It is understood any decision will hinge on a settlement over Capello's £12 million contract.
"He could be pushed but that will cost a lot of money, so it is hoped that a settlement can be reached," a source told the Standard.
"This World Cup has been the worst for four campaigns and Fabio has lost the confidence of key people."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has emerged as the main contender should Capello part company with the FA. Capello demanded talks with Club England chairman Sir David Richards following yesterday's 4-1 defeat by Germany.
Richards, Club England managing director Adrian Bevington, director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking and acting chief executive Alex Horne are the men responsible for hiring and firing the England manager.
It is less than five weeks since Capello signed a revised contract which takes him through to the end of Euro 2012.
Capello's future has been the subject of speculation since England's dismal World Cup exit.
Today he said: "I spoke this morning with (Club England chairman) Sir Dave Richards and he told me that he needs two weeks to decide."
Asked whether he would like to stay in his role, the Italian said: "Absolutely.
"I said I can be the manager of England for the next season, but it is for him (Richards) to decide.
"We spoke also about the players that can play for the next qualification and I know what I have to do."
Club England managing director Adrian Bevington indicated the FA had sought to give themselves time to consider Capello's position, rather than making a "knee-jerk reaction".
"Sir Dave Richards met with Fabio this morning and we are all very clear that Fabio is under contract with the FA until the 2012 European Championships and nothing has changed in that respect," Bevington said.
"Obviously everybody is very disappointed today with the fact that we've gone out of the World Cup in a manner that everyone back in England and the fans that have travelled are incredibly frustrated with.
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"So it makes perfect sense for us to go back to London and take stock of the situation, reflect fully on the tournament and see what we can take from it and just speak to Fabio from there.
"I don't think there is anything sinister in it beyond that other than we just want to make sure that we show a common-sense approach rather than making any other snap knee-jerk reactions within 24 hours of a very disappointing result."
