(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ORLA O'MUIRI

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

The England national team was left without a head coach Wednesday — just four months before the start of the 2012 European Championships. ESPN tells us what happened.

“The head of England’s Football Association said he will not rush to replace head coach Fabio Capello, who resigned yesterday over how the FA decided to strip veteran player John Terry of his captaincy.”

The investigation of John Terry for alleged racial abuse of another player has been a continuing debate in England. Even the prime minister weighed in. Politics.co.uk has his comments.

“The prime minister insisted Mr Capello was ‘a good coach and good man’ but he was critical of his approach to the captaincy. ‘I don't think he was right on the John Terry issue … You can’t be captain with that question mark that needs to be answered.’”

The media also took the opportunity to criticize England’s football culture. A writer for the Huffington Post criticized the press and the fanbase for being unable to accept Capello — because he’s Italian.

“If the national team is a reflection of their society, then it is fitting that England have rejected a thoughtful, successful and hardworking man and are looking to replace him with someone whose main attribute is that they speak English.”

But what about the team’s future? Spurs coach Harry Redknapp has long been the favorite to succeed Capello. But he told ITN his primary focus for the moment is Tottenham.

“Obviously this England job, it’s a long time ambition. You wouldn’t be able to turn it down, would you?”
“I’ve not even thought about it. I’ve got a job to do. I’ve got a big game Saturday with Tottenham, so Tottenham is my focus.”

Capello’s former assistant Stuart Pearce will lead England in its upcoming game against Netherlands in February and will remain in the post until the F.A reach a decision.