BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AFP) – Fabio Capello admitted he was considering his position as England coach after his side crashed out of the World Cup following a 4-1 defeat by Germany.

The Italian is under contract with the English Football Association until 2012 but his reputation has taken a battering as a result of England’s poor performances in South Africa, triggering speculation he will either quit or be pushed out.

Capello, who has been in charge of the Three Lions since January 2008, said he would make a decision after talking to the chairman of the FA.

“I have time to decide, I have to speak with the chairman,” Capello said.

“We have to wait until we come back to London. I want to see if he still has confidence in me.”

At one point in his post-match press conference Capello ruled out resigning but he later appeared to concede it was a possibility.

“I have to think about everything,” he said.

Under Capello’s original contract, the FA would have been able to end their relationship with him after the tournament without having to pay him substantial compensation.

The Italian also had an option to walk away but the break clause was removed just before the World Cup against a background of interest from Inter Milan in securing the coach’s services.

If the FA do decide to dispense with Capello’s services it could cost them millions of pounds given that the Italian earns between four and five million pounds a year.