Fabio Capello has been appointed new England manager, succeeding Steve McClaren, the English FA announced on Friday. Capello has been targeted by the English since McClaren's sacking last month, and the Italian has reportedly sealed a four-and-a-half year deal. "I am delighted Fabio Capello has agreed to become England manager," said FA chief executive Brian Barwick. "When we set out to recruit the new manager we said we were committed to appointing a world class candidate. In Fabio Capello we have that man." The 61-year-old coach will be unveiled at a news conference on Monday, while his first game in charge of the Three Lions will be a friendly against Switzerland in February. Apart from Capello, the England backroom staff consists of a host of other Italians, including his assistants Franco Baldini and Italo Galbiati, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi and fitness coach Massimo Neri It will be the first time for the former the former Italy international to lead a national team. England will rely on the experienced tactician to help them regain their competitiveness in major competitions. Although they are regarded as the home of football, England's only genuine achievement came in 1966 when they won the World Cup on home soil. Capello proved to be a huge success with Roma, Juventus, Milan and Real Madrid. He won the league title with every team he managed.
