How convenient. Fabio Capello resigns as England manager on the day the prime candidate to succeed him — Harry Redknapp — is cleared of tax evasion. You think Capello would have resigned today had a guilty verdict come down on Redknapp? The cynics amongst us would say no. But here we are, four months before another tournament and England are without a manager, without a captain and without a chance. Though the later we always knew about.

The upshot is that Redknapp, who walked free this morning, will at some point within the next few days (maybe a week or so) sign on for four years worth of community service as the England manager. An unenviable task if you ignore the financial goldmine that comes with it and so long as the media can accept that like Capello, he also speaks limited English.

Upon the news breaking, F.A. chairman David Bernstein rolled out the usual drivel when someone resigns about how they conducted themselves well and how they would like to thank them for the work they have done and wish them well in the future. They never really mean it, though Bernstein did say that “We have accepted Fabio’s resignation, agreeing that this is the right decision,” clearly delighted the that this saved them having to pay out the remainder of his contract when they sacked him at some point over the next week.

Some might claim that this is another case of an Italian jumping from a sinking ship, though it has to be said that Capello’s excuse — interference into his job by the F.A. — stands up a little better than that of Francesco Schettino. Just a little. That excuse will nicely explain away his inability to fulfil his duty of bringing some glory to the Three Lions. He’ll no doubt move to Real Madrid to replace Jose Mourinho who will no doubt replace Redknapp at Tottenham, and he’ll make John Terry his first signing, handing him the captain’s armband upon arrival in the Spanish capital.

The whole John Terry saga in which he was this past week stripped of his England captaincy, by the F.A., afar being charged with making racist remarks at Queens Park Rangers defender, Anton Ferdinand. It was this decision that infuriated Capello and lead him to today’s decision. So after removing him of his captaincy in order to pour water on any potential problems come the tournament, the F.A. have ignited a massive problem with just four months to go. The first duty of the new England boss, whomever he may be, will be to decide whether John Terry should be in the squad at all for the sake of team harmony.

Capello’s decision today certainly sparked up comment by various England regulars on Twitter. “Gutted capello has quit,” tapped Wayne Rooney into his smart phone. “Good guy and top coach.” He then went on to endorce the next manager, “Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me.” Yes, Wayne, such points scoring should put you in the shortlist to become Redknapp’s first England captain when he takes the job.

“Sad news to see Capello step down. Good man and Good manager.” Those were the words of Liverpool’s attacking full-back Glen Johnson who perhaps is fearing for his place in the team under someone else. But it was the future caption of the England side (so long as he can get over his persistent injuries) Jack Wilshere who had the most to say about it. And he was more than “Shocked about news on Fabio Capello”. Yes, young Jack was “gutted to be honest,” because Capello had “gave me my 1st cap and believed in me! Thank you Mr Capello! #GreatManager,” he hash tagged. “He has shown great belief and trust in me so I can only thank him….massive influence on my career so far! Sad to see him go!”

Wilshere then stated the obvious problem facing the England team by asking where they went from here? “Euro’s is just around the corner and we have no manager?!?” And no captain I might add, Jack. I looked for a comment — any comment — from Harry Redknapp on Twitter but given his claim that he can barely write never mind have e-mail, I doubt there was much chance I’d find anything on Twitter. So whoever takes the job is jumping into the fire with plenty of problems to iron out, but I suppose for some £4-odd-million per year, any of those problems are put into suitable context.