Brian Barwick, the FA's chief executive, yesterday conceded that the appointment of Fabio Capello as England manager was an indictment of the quality of home-grown coaches.

"I think it should always be the ambition of the FA, when possible, to recruit an England manager from within our own country. On this occasion we felt it was important to get the right man whatever the nationality," he said.

Barwick said the FA were acting to avoid the necessity in future and were committed to publishing a five-year plan aimed at ensuring the national side never again has to turn to a foreign coach.

Barwick said the strategy document would be published in March next year. The announcement sowed confusion over the fate of the "root and branch" review of the national side promised when Steve McClaren was sacked.

The strategy document was commissioned earlier this year. It now seems that issues surrounding the England first team will be included.