Following the sacking of Steve McClaren after England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, the names of several top foreign coaches are being linked with the vacancy.

Italian pair Marcello Lippi and Capello are among the frontrunners but former Chelsea favourite Zola believes it is Capello who is the likelier of the two.

Zola told GR2: "It is certainly a difficult moment for the (England) national team and now important decisions will have to be taken.

"I think to do a job of this kind they will want someone with great abilities. It would have to be one of the best and I think Capello belongs in this category."

Capello, who has had a successful coaching career with AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus, was quick to suggest he was interested in the post.

The 61-year-old said: "It would be a challenge, a real test to overcome and I would be the right age."

Lippi has been taking a sabbatical from football since leading Italy to glory in the 2006 World Cup but expressed interest in coaching England as far back as 2000 when the FA were looking for a successor to Kevin Keegan.

Zola, 41, admitted he was disappointed to see England fail to reach next summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"I feel very disappointed because some of my friends play for the national team," said Zola.

"To see them fail to qualify for the Euros makes me very unhappy."

Asked to judge McClaren's team, Zola was diplomatic, saying: "I have not seen England play much this year so I can not make a technical assessment."