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Steve McClaren's tenure was characterised by big choices. He began by dropping David Beckham, brought Goldenballs back, kept Paul Robinson in goal under pressure then selected Scott Carson for Croatia - and through it all maintained a media-trained persona that drove us nuts.

Capello, should he be named as the new boss, is unlikely to be as influenced by outside forces or make rash decisions. But what are the hurdles in front of an Italian who has spent his entire career coaching in Italy and Spain?

Choosing a captain

Unnamed sources at the Football Association told The Telegraph's Henry Winter that they want John Terry sacked as skipper. Eh? Surely that is the new man's decision to make? Capello will have to identify a man that he intends to start with come what may and that can lead his disciplined operation. Sounds like Terry, doesn't it? Or perhaps Steven Gerrard.

The Beckham question

Fab not only dropped Becks while at Real Madrid last year; he virtually ostracised him for having the gall to sign a deal with Los Angeles Galaxy. However, seeing his application in training, he brought him back in for the second half of the season - which saw Madrid claim their first Liga title in four years. Will Beckham's Stateside location stop Capello picking him as he eyes a 100th cap against Switzerland in February? Who knows - though it has been suggested by those 'in the know' that he may play and even get the armband again, if only for the day.

Formation and style

Capello is renowned for the solidity of his teams. Ruud Gullit described it thus: "He doesn't play for the beauty of the game, but to win." Winning is something England need to regain as a habit, so we think he will stick with a 4-4-2 and instil a ruthless streak in the players. He will have to consider Joe Cole's berth on the left - he often left out the similar Robinho in Spain - as he considers how to set up his midfield.

'That' midfield dilemma

Which brings us to the big one: is there room for both Gerrard and Frank Lampard? Neither have performed for England of late, though Gerrard is on top form for Liverpool. Gareth Barry marries no-nonsense play with a cultured left peg - he could replace Cole out wide to provide balance - while Hargreaves is an obvious partner for either. Capello likes his midfield enforcers - Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra at Madrid, Marcel Desailly at Milan - and has a history of not bowing to stars such as Francesco Totti at Roma. The truth is that with the next games so far away, so much will change that it is difficult to accurately predict his reasoning here.

England's number one

Carson was unfortunate to be given a competitive debut in pouring rain on a dodgy pitch and in one of the most important games for years. But surely no one doubts his ability to make the jersey his own long-term? David James is reliable yet getting on now and Robinson has to prove himself. What about Manuel Almunia though? Arsenal's number one wants the job - and by the time Capello has some real games to deal with, will be available for our national team.

Dealing with the media

Mac did his best to provide soundbites that fostered positive thinking and ended up being ridiculed, to the point where he even walked out of one press conference. Capello does not like the media and is not acquainted with ours: this may prove a sticking point, yet perhaps it is time we had a boss that says what he thinks. Fab is his own man and should continue that attitude.

Learning the English game

Capello will have his work cut out to learn everything about a footballing culture he has barely touched upon. On the plus side, he will have plenty of time to do so.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport