Fabio Capello has vowed to remain as England boss until 2012.
The Italian's £6million-a-year contract with the FA has
an escape clause that would allow either party to call time on the
agreement after this summer's World Cup in South Africa.
Given the astounding reversal in fortunes - from not even
making Euro 2008 to being installed as third favourites for the
biggest prize in the game - it is impossible to conceive the FA
would rip the deal up.
There has been a sneaking suspicion that Capello might
though.
The theory goes that the 63-year-old is not entirely keen on
life in London, misses the day-to-day involvement of being a club
boss and, considering his lack of affinity to the England cause,
would prefer to head home.
In fact, Capello loves his life and his job.
He has repeatedly stressed the England manager's post was the
only international role he wanted, that the challenge of
reinvigorating the Three Lions was much more appealing even than
coaching Italy, whose four World Cups give them a status sadly
lacking in this country.
And, as he looks ahead to next week's Euro 2012 draw in
Warsaw, Capello confirmed he has no plans to quit.
"I hope to be still here in 2012," he said.
"It depends on the FA and results at the World Cup of course
but I am really happy.
"I like my job. I like being England manager and I hope after
the World Cup I will still be manager.
"I don't think about not being the England manager. The
football in England is exciting, the Premier league is good and I
enjoy working with the English players."
Certainly Capello seems to have avoided much of the negative
publicity that has surrounded the role in recent years.
The Sven-Goran Eriksson era was side-tracked by dalliances,
both professional and personal, involving Chelsea, Ulrika Jonsson
and Faria Alam. He also kept failing at the quarter-finals, a test
admittedly Capello is yet to face.
Steve McClaren's ill-fated two years were hampered by
injuries to key men, plus decisions such as playing Scott Carson in
the vital final qualifier against Croatia after only making his
debut five days earlier, that merely confirmed a suspicion that he
was not up to the task.
Those thoughts do not exist with Capello.
Even the sceptics who maintain an Englishman should be
England manager would struggle to argue Capello has not been a
success, while the former AC Milan coach's vast experience and
trophies at the highest level earn him a priceless degree of
respect from his peers.
"I have a good feeling with the players but also the managers
and the FA," Capello said. "That is important for me.
"I am comfortable here in England and with this job - it
gives me great satisfaction and we still have things to achieve.
"For me being happy in my job is the most important thing.
"It is not just about managing the team - it is everything.
"Being England manager makes me happy. I like living in
London and so does my wife.
"The message is I am happy here and I hope to be the England
manager for the Euros."
