David Cameron has joined the debate over the resignation of Fabio Capello, while the Tottenham non-executive director Sir Keith Mills has insisted it is "not a foregone conclusion" that Harry Redknapp will replace the Italian.

Speaking during a visit to Sweden, the Prime Minister said: "I am sorry to see Fabio go. I think he was a good coach and a good man. I don't think he was right about the John Terry issue. You can't be captain with that question mark that needs to be answered."

Asked if Redknapp should take over, he said: "The day when the Prime Minister picks the England coach will be a very bad day for football but I am sure we will find someone really good and I am sure that we will play well when the time comes."

Mills, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, said Redknapp now had a "big decision" to make, but denied the Tottenham manager would inevitably take the job.

"If he is [approached] then clearly Harry has a big decision to make. I know he loves the club, he's managing a top three team in the biggest league in the world."

He also played down the prospect of Redknapp being allowed to do a jobshare, even if it were temporary: "Clearly, that's not an ideal scenario. Clearly, trying to do two jobs is going to be a stretch for anyone."

Meanwhile David Davies, the former executive director of the Football Association, backed Redknapp, saying he has public support, according to The Guardian.