2010 Fifa World Cup: Capello, does England really need a new manager?

Here's a bag of questions for those of you who are bagging and/or questioning the credentials of the current English coach.

Days after England's 4-1 loss to Germany and their exit out of the World Cup the intensity of the spotlight on coach Capello has sharpened. The FA has put Capello's future on hold for at least another two weeks. Capello is keen to stay. It will cost the FA 8-10 million pounds if they decide to part company with the Italian.

So does England need a new manager? The decision calls for a rational decision making process. The emotions of disappointment need to be pushed aside.

So what questions should be asked?

What is the current manager's record?

 P28 W19 D4 L5

That's a 67% winning record, fairly successful for an English coach.

Capello's record includes managing one of their most convincing World Cup qualifying campaigns.  The only negative results the English endured was a 1-0 loss away to Ukraine.

Have things improved?

Capello took over the reigns from Steve McClaren. England had just failed to qualify for the 2008 European championship, after losing to Croatia at home 2-3. If they had won this clash they too would of been part of the Austro-Swiss championship.

The consensus was that in not qualifying for Euro 2008, things had reached an all time low for England. Capello failed in South Africa but was it all his fault?

What about the players?

Does England really have the players to mount a competitive challenge for the World Cup? This joke suggests, not.

The FA have launched an inquiry to find out how a fan found his way into the dressing room. They have also launched another enquiry into how Aaron Lennon found his way into the dressing room.

Did Capello make poor selection choices?

History will show Capello should never have selected unfit duo Ledley King and James Milner in their opening match against the US. But was that a refection of his selection ability or a lack of depth in English playing ranks. This has resulted in criticism of the high number of foreign players in the English Premiership being voiced.

Selecting Shaun Wright Phillips, ok that was a shocker. Putting SWP on to replace Milner against the US that was a disaster. Still, not certain if these mistakes warrant Capello losing his job.

Did Capello leave behind obvious stars?

Maybe Theo Walcott, Darren Bent or Adam Johnson? But woud these guys really have helped against an on-form and dominant German team. It's probably wrong to say Capello erred and left some better players back home in Blighty. Maybe there are too many foreign players in the English Premiership?

Who would replace him?

Harry Redknapp has said he'd be keen on the job. But in comparing respective CVs the advantage must still rest with the Italian. Admittedly Redknapp has coached teams with modest budgets, which has significantly reduced Harry's ability to win silverware.

But the Italian brings to the job a treasure trove of titles. In this is a clear symbol of his ability to manage talent and the egos that go with the legends of the modern game.

Do the FA want him to go?

Just prior to the World Cup the FA negotiated a contract expansion with Capello. A revised contract sans a break clause. This would be a hugely commercially imprudent move, if a few weeks later they collectively decide to rid themselves of the supposed Italian curse. 

The FA allowed the Swede Sven Goran two cracks - why not also let Fabio learn from his mistakes?

What about the fans?

England entered this tournament in a confident mood. The book-keepers had them at their shortest odds for years. Within four minutes of their tournament start England were 1-0 up against the USA. However things were soon to subside for the English  after Gerrard netted that wonder goal. No need to mention Rob Green here.

In an online poll, Guardian readers still rate Capello their number one choice. Albeit it's a tight majority. The three leaders are Capello 27.5%, Redknapp 19% and Hodgson 18.5%.

The players

John Terry had a few tips for Capello during the tournament. However many pundits have praised the Italian for the discipline he's introduced within the ranks.

Roy Keane has said England players "get away with murder" and has communicated strong support for Capello.

And Capello himself?

Fabio is keen to stay. He's identified members of England's next generation and stated his enthusiasm to mould this talent for potential international glory.

Although his future is unclear, one thing that's for certain is the speculation around his job will continue.