After the hectic events of the past few days, an organisation that has been vehemently questioned in recent years was once again thrown under the media spotlight by two men: firstly John Terry, and then that oh-so popular Italian disciplinarian Fabio Capello.
Many people feel that the FA were correct in stripping John Terry of the captaincy, though question marks still remained over what Capello really thought of the situation. His answer? To resign as manager of the England national team just four months before the start of the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine and once again shove David Bernstein et al into the limelight.
It seems so long ago that the English media were delighted that a man boasting nine league titles and a European Cup as a manager was given the so-called “impossible job,” but the original optimism has turned further sour following Capello's shock resignation, and it may seem critical, but some of the negative press coverage is probably deserved.
For one, he could not remove that lingering curse on English football which usually sees the side sail through the qualification with consummate ease, yet choke on the big international stage. It's all well and good comfortably beating the Liechtenstein’s of the footballing world but the whole country was praying for success at the World Cup in South Africa 18 months ago, and the strict Italian could not deliver, culminating in a desperately humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of a far superior German side at just the second round stage.
Even up to then, a team made up of some of the most talented English players of their generation had coughed and spluttered through a seemingly kind group on paper, with a 0-0 draw against minnows Algeria another low point of a hugely disappointing campaign.
While Capello may possess an impressive resume, it seems he never really connected with the English media, which is in stark contrast to his potential successor, Harry Redknapp, who is more than happy to divulge his entertaining thoughts to the press. Redknapp is frequently seen winding his window down to converse with the media whilst leaving Tottenham's Chigwell training ground, whereas Capello took a much more reserved approach whilst seemingly showing no real urgency to properly learn the English language. It was this that saw him partially exiled towards the end of his reign, as Wembley was littered with empty red seats during recent friendlies with Sweden and Spain and the expectant England faithful thought with their feet and chose not to attend.
Of course, England v Sweden on a cold Tuesday night in November may not be the most appealing of prospects but the fans' decision to stay away spoke volumes.
At times, England under Capello was what watching England should be; entertaining, riveting and enjoyable to watch. But the Italian mentality of playing the beautiful game also crept in to a large proportion of England games, which has never been renowned for exciting attacking football. This is something that a new manager will no doubt look to address as he faces the arduous task of leading this side which possesses so much potential to glory.
As a result of Capello's departure, the footballing big-wigs of this country face a critical decision with Euro 2012 firmly on the horizon. If the England fans are to be celebrating come July 1st in Kiev, it is essential that they chose a manager not on nationality, but on suitability for the international scene.
Capello is a prime example of what can happen to an outstanding club manager who delves into international football management, and with the spotlight shining firmly on Wembley, it is vital that the FA don't make the same mistake again.
