But the Italian never considered quitting himself even though he has now issued a public apology for the level of performances in South Africa.

Capello insists he is a "fighter" as he looks to pick up the pieces after England crashed out at the last 16 stage to Germany in Bloemfontein nearly six weeks ago.

The former Real Madrid boss was given the green light to lead England into the Euro 2012 qualifiers after discussions with Club England chairman Sir Dave Richards and the rest of the board.

But Capello knows feelings are still running high amongst England fans and accepts there he and the players may be booed during Wednesday's friendly with Hungary at Wembley.

Capello, speaking publicly for the first time since the World Cup, said: "First of all, I say sorry to the fans that joined us in South Africa.

"I know they spent a lot of time and money following England and I'm really sorry.

"But we have to look forward now for the European qualification matches.

"It has not been good period for me. When you win, you are the best. When you lose, you are nothing.

"We have to understand this job will always be like that."

When asked if he considered resigning, Capello said: "The day after the Germany game, I spoke with Sir Dave Richards in South Africa.

"I told him what I think and said 'you have to decide (on my future)'.

"I thought a lot about the situation but I'm a fighter and I've never quit in my career. I always look forward.

"I thought about different solutions and, after I spoke with Sir Dave, I decided to stay here.

"I want to go forward and to improve and to play the Euros because for me they will be very important."

But Capello admitted: "I preferred to stay. But, if the FA decided to sack me. I would have understood it."

Capello has only the Hungarian game to try out any new players before the Euro campaign gets under way and knows there are bridges to be built with supporters.

He said: "I understand the supporters. I think on Wednesday sometimes they may boo but we need the support of the fans.

"It is very important but I possibly expect them to boo on Wednesday because they had a lot of confidence in the team going into the World Cup and the results were not so good.

"I also had a lot of confidence in the team because my target was to play in the final."

Only 10 of the World Cup squad feature in Capello's squad for the Hungary match, with goalkeepers Robert Green and David James, midfielders Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips and strikers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe among the men to miss out. Arsenal youngsters Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs have been included, with their club-mate Theo Walcott recalled after missing out on the squad for South Africa.

Despite making so many changes, Capello refused to put the blame on the shoulders of the players for England's failings at the World Cup and still retains confidence in them for the tasks ahead.

When asked if the squad had let him down, he said: "No, when we win, we win together, when we lose, we lose together. I don't like to speak about the players.

"I think I still have confidence in this team because I think the players are good.

"I have confidence in these players and I hope they will have confidence in me.

"We have to play in the Euro qualifiers like we did in the World Cup qualifiers, show the same spirit.

"The first target will be to qualify. Then we can speak about what will happen in Ukraine and Poland."

Capello added: "Can England win Euro 2012? Yes, because I think we can change something before we go to the Ukraine and Poland.

"First let's get there. After, you will see what we can do."