LONDON, Dec 14: Italian Fabio Capello was named as the new England head coach by the Football Association (FA) on Friday. The FA confirmed his appointment in a statement on its website.

The 61-year-old succeeds Steve McClaren who was sacked last month after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

On Thursday, Capello had been approved as England’s second foreign coach by the FA board, following Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson (2001-06).

Capello had talks with FA officials on Wednesday then travelled to his home in Switzerland, leaving his representatives to negotiate further on Thursday.

“Discussions have continued throughout the day between the FA and Fabio Capello’s advisers,” director of communications Adrian Bevington said in a statement on the FA’s website.

“The FA board has also today approved Capello’s appointment as England manager subject to the successful conclusion of these contract negotiations. These will continue tomorrow.

“I want to stress there are no problems and we are going through the necessary process to reach a successful conclusion.”—Reuters