Gianfranco Zola believes Fabio Capello is the ideal replacement for Steve McClaren as England coach.

The former Chelsea forward is convinced his compatriot is the right man to lead England. "Fabio Capello possesses the ideal pedigree to create a new era of success for England," he said. "Even when Jose Mourinho was in the running I believed that Capello had even more charisma, talent and experience for a challenging job like this one."

Zola cannot understand why a country boasting so many good players should continually fail on the international stage. "Whoever the next manager of the English national team is, his first task will be neither technical nor tactical but instead to build confidence, a team spirit and to ensure that his players are ready to follow his leadership," he said. "These are more things which are perfect for a coach like Capello."

Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, and Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA director of football development, are expected to hold their first face-to-face meeting with the 61-year-old Italian tomorrow. They will then make their recommendations known to the FA board.

Capello could be installed as early as the end of the week, although the FA have a board meeting already planned for next Wednesday.

Capello has little command of the English language, but he has won seven titles in Italy and Spain respectively and has vast experience managing Juventus, AC Milan, Roma and Real Madrid.

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