10 Feb 2012

England may hire caretaker manager for Euro 2012

5:05 pm on 10 February 2012

England could hire a caretaker manager to lead the side at the European football Championships, before seeking a long-term appointment after the tournament.

The surprise resignation of Fabio Capello has left the Football Association scrambling to fill the job with just four months to go until England kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against France.

While Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to succeed Capello, FA officials say they're keeping all options open as they prepare to compile a shortlist of candidates.

The former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is also among the candidates, along with interim England coach Stuart Pearce, Roy Hodgson, Guus Hiddink, Martin O'Neill, Arsene Wenger and even David Beckham.

Redknapp has previously indicated he'd find it difficult to turn down the England job.

However, Redknapp's unlikely to leave Spurs during the middle of a successful Premier League campaign in which they've climbed to third on the table and on course to qualify for the Champions League.

In the short term, Pearce will take charge of England for their friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley later this month.