England's Euro 2012 campaign is in disarray after manager Fabio Capello resigned with immediate effect.
Capello stepped down after meeting with Football Association chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne to discuss the decision to remove John Terry as England captain, after the Chelsea defender was accused of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.
The Italian had publicly expressed his disapproval of the FA's decision, and made comments saying he still considered Terry as his captain.
Clearly Capello could not see eye to eye with the FA over the issue though, and chose to resign his post with Euro 2012 just four months away.
"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," Bernstein said.
"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."
It leaves the England camp in chaos leading into a major tournament yet again, after internal issues involving Capello and senior players plagued the Three Lions 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has long been touted as the man to succeed Capello when he eventually stepped down, which was previously expected to be after Euro 2012, although former Russia and Turkey boss Guus Hiddink could also be in the frame to take the reins in for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.