Football Association headhunter Sir Trevor Brooking has revealed that Fabio Capello could stay on as England manager after Euro 2012.
The Italian boss has so far been expected to step down from his post with the Three Lions once their campaign at next year's European Championships is over.
Despite Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp being the favourite to succeed the ex-Real Madrid manager, Brooking has said that it may not be the end for Capello.
"Let's worry about that when it happens," Brooking told BBC Radio Five Live. "Fabio's contract ends in the summer and the mindset is for change but you never say never.
"It would be a nice problem, and one we have not had for 40 years. We are certainly hoping to do better this summer than we did in South Africa. If we could get someone home grown it would send out right message. It would launch a new era and we do want a system where we have an English coach.
"But we don't want to lock it in. How many candidates are there? I am sure Harry Redknapp would be high in the betting but we will look at it on merit at time. When it comes to the end of the season it will be clearer."
FA chairman David Bernstein has maintained that the governing body will not consider the potential managerial replacement until after next year's tournament.