The FA is between a rock and a hard place, with regards tthe England men's national team The lack of any real long term strategy since the deaprture of Sir Bobby Robson, has seen it lurch from one crisis to another with a raft of natioanl team managers, who for one reason or another, have failed on the job.

There is a danger now, as it did in 1990, of pandering to the peoples' choice, Harry Redknapp being the 2012 equivalent of Graham Taylor. . Harry would probably be the choice of many media pundits. Capello's departure might provide a part-time role for Redknapp through the imminent European finals, but is is not the longer term solution.

But is does provide an opportunity for the FA to get in place a plan to ensure that whoever is appointed beyond the summer of 2012 is given a key responsibility to develop potential national coaches in future, which will be vital to get the best from the dwindling talent base that will continue to be available.