Fabio Capello confirms he will step down in 2012

The race among English managers to take over the national side is on after Fabio Capello confirmed that he would step down after the Euro 2012 championships and enjoy "life as a pensioner".

It was widely expected that the Italian's reign would come to an end after the tournament in Poland and Ukraine but the confirmation of his exit, accompanied by the FA's announcement that the next man to hold the job will be English, means that the eligible candidates now know the timeframe in which they are operating.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson, the new Liverpool manager, were tipped to take over from Capello in the summer had he been fired in the wake of England's dismal World Cup campaign. They could still be the two best-qualified candidates come 2012, although neither of them are much younger than Capello. By the time the Italian steps down, Redknapp will be 65 and Hodgson 64.

However, there are few English managers in the Premier League and it is highly unlikely anyone will burst onto the scene in the two seasons between now and the next European Championships.

From the current crop of Premier League managers, the FA can really only choose from Redknapp, Hodgson, Steve Bruce and Sam Allardyce. Chris Hughton of Newcastle, Blackpool's Ian Holloway and Stoke boss Tony Pulis cannot be considered serious contenders for the 'impossible job'.

Outside the top flight the only Englishman with the potential to do the job would appear to be Nigel Clough of Derby, whose legendary father, Brian, was 'the best manager England never had'. Even more far-fetched is the idea that Steve McClaren, currently rehabilitating his reputation on the continent after a disastrous period at the helm, could be tempted back.

The FA's other options are to install a figurehead like Alan Shearer or David Beckham, or to promote internally. The second option would leave Stuart Pearce, the current Under-21 coach and Capello's touchline sidekick, in the box seat.

However, after the World Cup, Adrian Bevington of the FA pledged to hire another English coach to work with Capello. That appointment has yet to be made, but whoever gets the job will instantly be installed as one of the favourites to take over. Alan Curbishly has been mentioned as one possible candidate for that role.

The final option would inolve a massive climb-down on the part of the FA, but if Jose Mourinho, who has often expressed his desire to return to England, threw his hat into the ring, few England fans would object. ·