After Fabio Capello resigned as England manager, the Football Association were left with a dilemma ahead of this summer’s Euro 2012 tournament.  England are currently without a captain, and are now without a manager.

The FA stepped into the John Terry – Anton Ferdinand race row after Terry’s court date over racial abuse was post-poned until after the Euro’s.  In an attempt to play down any sort of fan backlash, the FA stripped Terry of the England captaincy.  In turn, Capello made a direct challenge to the authority of his FA employers when he told Italian TV station Rai that he still wanted Terry to be his captain.  It is understood that Capello did not back down in expressing his opinion during his showdown with the FA, resulting in his resignation.

As an England fan, one can only hope the FA can get it right this time.  Players and fans alike have called for the FA to make the right decision and search for an English manager to lead England, and there are a few opportunities at hand.  Harry Redknapp has become the odds-on favorite to land the England job, though Roy Hodgson and Alan Pardew’s name have also been thrown around the Three Lions.  With that deal unlikely to be secured for quite some time, the FA must step in to announce a captain.

Players such as Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart could take the armband if need be, but the FA will likely turn to Steven Gerrard to lead the Three Lions out this summer.  Rio Ferdinand has already stated he does not wish to take the armband, leaving Gerrard as the favorite.  The Liverpool captain took the armband for a short period of time under Capello and played superb football reminiscent of his form in 2005-2006.  Scott Parker has also emerged as a candidate for the armband, but it is a decision the FA will have to face soon with a few international friendlies on the schedule.