His predecessor Fabio Capello's reign was far too distant, and whatever his merits as a
coach his reputation was compromised by the failures of the 2010 World Cup — which memorably included a performance
against Algeria so bad that a bird was able to roost in one of the goalnets — and the toxic fallout from Chelsea and then - England captain John Terry racially abusing Queen's Park Rangers centre - back Anton Ferdinand,
brother of England stalwart Rio.