LONDON - The Football Association have confirmed that Fabio Capello will succeed Steve McClaren as England manager.
The news was revealed 48 hours after Capello agreed in principle to lead the Three Lions, with the decision being ratified by the FA Board on Thursday.
Final negotiations between the FA and Capello's advisors have now been completed and the former Juventus, AC Milan and Real Madrid coach has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will begin work on January 7.
"I am delighted that Fabio Capello has agreed to become England manager," said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
"When we set out to recruit the new manager, we said we were committed to appointing a world-class candidate. In Fabio Capello we have that man.
"Fabio is a winner. His record over the last two decades speaks for itself.
"At every club he has managed Fabio has won the league title and Sir Trevor Brooking and I were left in no doubt of his passion and commitment to bring that success to the England team."
Capello will officially be unveiled in central London on Monday, just under four weeks after McClaren was sacked following England's dismal failure to reach Euro 2008.
The 61-year-old made his desire to take the job known almost immediately and was quickly installed as the number one candidate once former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho backed out of the running at the weekend.
Capello's standing in the game mean his services come at a price.
His estimated £6.5million annual salary dwarfs the amount Sven-Goran Eriksson commanded, although, if he delivers what the FA feel he is capable of, it will be money well spent.
Capello's contract takes in not just the 2010 World Cup qualifiers but the campaign to reach Euro 2012 as well. His first official game in charge will be against Switzerland at Wembley on February 6.
"Fabio Capello is widely recognised as one of the world's finest coaches," said FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, who has worked closely with Barwick throughout the consultation process.
"He has achieved huge success wherever he has worked and has the respect of everyone in football.
"Fabio will have the full support of the FA and its coaching set-up. We are excited about working with him over the coming years as we focus on qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."
Capello will liaise with Brooking over the installation of an English presence within a coaching team which has already been confirmed will include assistants Franco Baldini and Italo Galbiati, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi and fitness coach Massimo Neri.
