England's Italian boss Fabio Capello has revealed that the Three Lions will be the last team he manages. He has also spoken out on David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho...
62-year-old Fabio Capello is clearly feeling the strain of turning long-underachieving England into world-beaters.
The Italian was unveiled by the Football Association in December 2007 after penning an estimated £6m-a-year, four-and-a-half year deal to manage the international side.Now, he admits that contract will be his last as a football manager, with retirement now on the horizon.
The former Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus gaffer is carrying the expectations of the English football fans, who will demand comfortable World Cup qualification and a run to the business end of the South Africa showpiece.
Indeed, predecessor Steve McLaren was released after failing to guide his troops to Euro 2008 and experienced Capello has little margin for error.However, the final 24 months of his deal are optional and the wily boss could be tempted to step down should England make a splash in 2010.
Speaking to La Repubblica, Capello confirmed: "I will complete my contract with England, but my time in the dugout will end with my England experience.
"However, I would like to end my career having made an impact at a World Cup."
Becks, Lamps and The 'Not-so-Special' One
One man apparently not retiring, though, is LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham.
Old 'Goldenballs' has struggled somewhat whilst juggling North American club football with his England renaissance, yet Capello is keen to see the 33-year-old play on for the time being.
"Until he is unable to play at an international standard, he will play," the boss insisted.
Conversely, Capello wants unsettled Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard to stay in his domestic league, adding: "As England coach I would prefer it if [Lampard] remained in England. He would have less traveling to do that way."
Lastly, the Italian insisted that new Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho won't live up to his notorious 'Special One' tag in Serie A, as the Nerazzurri will be doing most of the work for him.
He sniped: "Mourinho has nothing to teach our coaches. He has taken over a sensational club and I do not think he will do anything special. He will only need to change about one per cent."
