The English FA have taken their time over finding a replacement for Steve McClaren, who was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

It appears as though Fabio Capello is likely to claim the job, and has addressed his concerns over the national team, claiming the big players have a "mental block" when it comes to representing their country.

"There is tremendous difference in the attitude they show from one game to the next," he said. "How can players of the level of Beckham or Owen have performances so different when they play for their national team?

"It's clear the shirt is very heavy even for those great champions. The manager has a fundamental role to play in this situation. He has to be more of a psychologist than a tactician or a technician.

"It's clear there is a mental block - otherwise how can you explain their elimination from Euro 2008?"