Capello was criticised after England's poor 2010 World Cup campaign

England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed he will stand down from the role after the Euro 2012 tournament.

After a disappointing 2010 World Cup that provoked intense criticism of Capello, England are joint top of Group G after two Euro 2012 qualifying wins.

"We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old," said the 64-year-old Italian. "I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner."

Capello succeeded Steve McClaren in December 2007.

His £6m-a-year deal takes him up to the summer of 2012.

PHIL MCNULTY'S BLOG Capello deserves a respite from the pressures that have surrounded him since England's capitulation in South Africa

He transformed England after McClaren's side failed to qualify for Euro 2008 but, having breezed through their World Cup qualifying campaign, Capello's side flopped badly in South Africa this summer and crashed out in the second round after a humiliating 4-1 defeat by Germany.

Both during and after the World Cup, Capello was subjected to fierce media criticism over his managerial skills.

However, he vowed to continue in the job after having a get-out clause in his contract removed before the World Cup.

England's Euro 2012 qualifying wins against Bulgaria and Switzerland have eased the pressure on Capello, who previously managed AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid.

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