Fabio Capello today quit as England manager, the Football Association tonight announced. Capello resigned following a meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne at Wembley Stadium.

An FA statement read: "The Football Association can confirm that Fabio Capello has today resigned as England manager. This follows a meeting involving FA chairman David Bernstein, FA general secretary Alex Horne and Fabio Capello at Wembley Stadium.

"The discussions focused on the FA board's decision to remove the England team captaincy from John Terry, and Fabio Capello's response through an Italian broadcast interview. In a meeting for over an hour, Fabio's resignation was accepted and he will leave the post of England manager with immediate effect."

Bernstein said the resignation was the right course of action. The FA chairman said: "I would like to stress that during today's meeting and throughout his time as England manager, Fabio has conducted himself in an extremely professional manner.

"We have accepted Fabio's resignation, agreeing this is the right decision. We would like to thank Fabio for his work with the England team and wish him every success in the future."

Bernstein and the Club England management team will hold a media conference at Wembley at 12 noon tomorrow.   

We have accepted Fabio's resignation, agreeing this is the right decision.   
David Bernstein, FA chairman

The shock resignation brings an end to Capello's four years in charge of England when he had been due to step down after the UEFA EURO 2012 and leaves the FA needing to appoint a replacement as soon as possible. 

The next international match is later this month, a friendly against the Netherlands on 29 February at Wembley. Stuart Pearce, manager of England Under-21s and the Great Britain Olympic team, is expected to be put in charge for the Holland friendly.

Redknapp a candidate
FA head of elite development Gareth Southgate, however, confirmed that Harry Redknapp is one of the "leading candidates" for the position. Southgate told BBC Sport: "Stuart Pearce is in the building and with the Under-21s. But you have to think for the summer - can you get the person you want for the longer term? Because the leading candidates are with clubs at the minute.

"Harry Redknapp is one of leading candidates, but Tottenham will have something to say about that and (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy is not going to want Harry to leave without a fight, so there's an awful lot to work out in the next few weeks."

Meanwhile, such players as Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere have taken to Twitter to express their shock at Capello's departure. Wilshere said: "People have there own judgement on Capello but for a young player who was given the chance to play for my country at such a young age - 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!"

Like Wilshere, Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker expressed his disappointment at Capello's departure. He wrote: "Gutted to see Fabio Capello go he put a lot of trust in me and gave me my first cap just want to say a big thanks really."

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney was also hit hard by the news, stating: "Gutted Capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be English to replace him. Harry Redknapp for me."