KNAPP HAND ... Harry holds all the aces

WAYNE ROONEY last night called for Harry Redknapp to be appointed England boss — and was backed by senior players and fans across the country.

Fabio Capello had earlier resigned over the FA's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy.

Manchester United striker Rooney tweeted: "Gutted Capello has quit — good guy and top coach. Got to be English to replace him — Harry Redknapp for me."

And a YouGov poll conducted exclusively for The Sun revealed that 42 per cent of supporters want Redknapp as manager, with Jose Mourinho well behind in second place on 17 per cent.

Capello quit yesterday after four years in charge, having refused to back down over his belief Terry should remain as skipper.

In an incredible twist of fate, Capello's shock decision came just hours after Redknapp was acquitted on charges of tax evasion — leaving the FA with no obstacles to appointing him.

FA chairman David Bernstein said: "We have accepted Fabio's resignation, agreeing this is the right decision.

"We would like to thank Fabio for his work with the England team and wish him every success in the future."

Redknapp is odds-on with the bookies to take command and also has former chief Sven Goran Eriksson's backing.

Eriksson said: "I think Redknapp will be a very, very good choice.

"He's English, he knows his football and he is doing a great job with Tottenham."

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would not comment on the prospect of England wanting Redknapp.

Capello spent six hours at Wembley in a tense meeting with Bernstein and FA general secretary Alex Horne.

It was made clear to the Italian that the FA would not alter their decision to strip Terry of the captaincy.

Equally, Capello would not budge from his belief that Terry should have kept the armband.

As SunSport revealed yesterday, the FA were insistent on Capello conceding ground or it was felt his position would be untenable.

Bernstein was determined the FA's authority would not be undermined and that the governing body had to be seen to be showing strong leadership.

The exit of Capello will put Terry's international future in doubt. Capello had told Terry he still wanted him at Euro 2012 as a player and the Chelsea skipper had vowed to carry on with England because of his support.