Brian Kidd has undergone surgery for prostate cancer and is battling to be fit enough to travel with England to Euro 2004.
A report in Sunday's People newspaper reveals Kidd has had a serious operation.
A F.A. spokesman said: "We are aware that Brian has undergone a serious operation. We all look forward to him making a speedy recovery."
His wife Margaret, speaking from the family home in Manchester yesterday, said: "Brian is out of hospital now and he's in good spirits.
"The doctors and staff at Christies were absolutely marvellous and we are all hopeful Brian will make a quick and total recovery.''