England

Two away wins

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:19:25 +0200

On a record-breaking night in Zagreb, England made more history by starting a qualifying campaign with two away wins for the first time.

England have previously had to qualify for 24 tournaments - 13 World Cups and 11 European Championships.

This how we started the qualifiers for those World Cups:-

2006: Drew 2-2 away (Austria), won 2-1 away (Poland)
2002: Lost 0-1 at home (Germany), drew 0-0 away (Finland)
1998: Won 3-0 away (Moldova), won 2-1 at home (Poland)
1994: Drew 1-1 at home (Norway), won 4-0 at home (Turkey)
1990: Drew 0-0 at home (Sweden), won 2-0 away (Albania)
1986: Won 5-0 at home (Finland), won 8-0 away (Turkey)
1982: Won 4-0 at home (Norway), lost 1-2 away (Romania)
1978: Won 4-1 away (Finland), won 2-1 at home (Finland)
1974: Won 1-0 away (Wales), drew 1-1 at home (Wales)
1962: Won 9-0 away (Luxembourg), drew 1-1 away (Portugal)
1958: Won 5-1 away (Denmark), won 5-2 at home (Denmark)
1954: Won 4-1 away (Wales), won 3-1 at home (N Ireland)
1950: Won 4-1 away (Wales), won 9-2 at home (N Ireland)

England didn't have to qualify in 1966 (hosts) and 1970 (holders).

Our European Championship qualifiers started like this:-

2008: Won 5-0 at home (Andorra), won 1-0 away (Macedonia)
2004: Won 2-1 away (Slovakia), drew 2-2 at home (Macedonia)
2000: Lost 1-2 away (Sweden), drew 0-0 at home (Bulgaria)
1992: Won 2-0 at home (Poland), drew 1-1 away (Rep of Ireland)
1988: Won 3-0 at home (N Ireland), won 2-0 at home (Yugoslavia)
1984: Drew 2-2 away (Denmark), won 3-0 away (Greece)
1980: Won 4-3 away (Denmark), drew 1-1 away (Rep of Ireland)
1976: Won 3-0 at home (Czechoslovakia), drew 0-0 at home (Portugal)
1972: Won 1-0 away (Malta), won 3-0 at home (Greece)
1968: Won 2-0 away (N Ireland), won 5-1 at home (Wales)
1964: Drew 1-1 at home (France), lost 2-5 away (France) - "First Round"

Comments

Friendlies confirmed

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:17:20 +0200

England v Slovakia
International Friendly
Saturday 28 March 2009
Wembley Stadium

England v Slovenia
International Friendly
Saturday 5 September 2009
Wembley Stadium

The FA has today confirmed two England friendly fixtures at Wembley for 2009. England will play Slovakia on Saturday 28 March and host Slovenia later in the year on Saturday 5 September. The Slovakia fixture precedes England's World Cup 2010 Qualifier at Wembley against Ukraine on Wednesday 1 April. The Slovenia match comes before England's home game against Croatia on Wednesday 9 September.

Kick-off times for both matches will be confirmed in due course.

England manager Fabio Capello was involved in choosing both friendly opponents and said: "It's very important to play similar style opposition as practice for the competitive matches. The Slovakia and Slovenia games will be very good preparation for the vital World Cup Qualifiers against Ukraine and Croatia."

Slovakia and Slovenia are in Group 3 of the European World Cup Qualifying Region. After two games, Slovenia are joint leaders [with Poland] on four points whilst Slovakia are just one point behind. The two countries met last Wednesday in Maribor and Slovenia won the match 2-1.

Comments

'We got what we deserved'

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:06:07 +0200

Wayne Rooney hailed England's dominant performance in Zagreb and believes that the Three Lions got exactly what they deserved from the game.

Theo Walcott lead the way with an incredible hat-trick, but Rooney also got on the scoresheet and set two of Walcott's goals up and the Manchester United forward says it was a team effort to achieve such a fantastic result.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, Rooney said: "I think it was a great performance by the team tonight and we fully deserved the three points.

"I think all the players are really pleased with the result and more importantly the performance."

Prior to the game Croatia had not lost a competitive match at home in their history, and Rooney says that the first goal was crucial to giving the players belief they could be the first.

Rooney explained: "It was a really important goal you know, to go in 1-0 up at half-time gave us all a boost, and it really gave us the believe that we could go on and win the game.

"In the second half the sending off gave us more confidence to keep the ball and get some more goals, and we took full advantage of that.

"Most of the players in the squad have experienced similar atmospheres in the past, and we're all used to it now. I think we prepared ourselves as best we could; we just wanted to give a good performance and we managed to do that."

Rooney admitted that the entire squad was delighted for young Theo Walcott, who at just 19 scored a hat-trick in only his second start for England.

"The whole dressing room is really pleased for him," Rooney revealed. "He gave a really good performance tonight and all three finishes were fantastic.

"I think against Andorra he showed glimpses of what he could do and tonight in a difficult game he's proved what a good player he is."

Rooney was also pleased to score himself, but admitted that victory for the team has always been his main goal.

"It's always nice to score goals but as I've always said the most important thing is always the three points, and thankfully we got them."

Comments

World Cup qual. - Walcott hat-trick inspires England

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:13:39 +0200

Theo Walcott fully justified his inclusion in Fabio Capello's line-up after netting a stunning hat-trick as England downed 10-man Croatia 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier in Zagreb.

Wayne Rooney was also on the scoresheet - his first international goal in nearly a year - as England finally put in a performance worthy of the hype that so often goes before them.

Considering that, heading into the game, Croatia were unbeaten in competitive matches at home, such a convincing victory - off the back of an uninspiring 2-0 win over minnows Andorra at the weekend - was all the more impressive.

England's cause was slightly helped by the dismissal of Robert Kovac early in the second half - for a leading elbow on Joe Cole, who was forced off with blood gushing from a head wound - but with England already a goal to the good at the time, his departure did little to affect the result.

Substitute Mario Mandzukic netted on 78 minutes to pull Croatia back to 3-1, but it proved nothing more than consolation for the hosts as England maintained their perfect start to the qualifying campaign and took control of Group 6.

Comments

England highlights on TV

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:11:42 +0200

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group Six
8pm, Wednesday 10 September 2008
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb
Live on Setanta Sports 1

Setanta Sports have confirmed that highlights of the Croatia v England 2010 World Cup qualifier will be shown free-to-air on Setanta Sports 1 at 11.30pm this evening.

The free-to-air match highlights will be available to the 21m British homes that can receive digital televison via Freeview, BT Vision, Tiscali, or satellite.

Comments

FT: Croatia 1-4 England

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:08:14 +0200

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group Six
8pm, Wednesday 10 September 2008
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb
Live on Setanta Sports 1

90+3
The final whistle is sounded by the referee as England become the first team ever to win a competitive game in Croatia.

89' Matthew Upson replaces John Terry.

86' Walcott comes off to applause and his replaced by David Beckham.

82
GOAL! Walcott completes a memorable hat-trick, after a through ball from Heskey played him clear. He cut inside before sliding a left footer past Pletikosa.

78
GOAL! Croatia get one back through substitute Mandzukic, who slots past James well. But Srna was lucky to get away with a high foot on John Terry earlier in the move.
76
England confidence is showing and Lampard glides into the box, playing a quick one-two with Jenas before curling home. Referee Lubos Michel pulls play back for a foul though.

73' Ivica Olic makes way for Mario Mandzukic
63
GOAL! The Three Lions continue to turn the screw and find holes in the demoralised Croatian defence. Jenas breaks free on theleft and pulls back to Rooney 12 yards out. He does the rest and gives Pletikosa no chance.
59
GOAL! With Croatia down to ten men, England take charge and Walcott makes it 2-0 with an almost carbon-copy goal after being laid on by Heskey.

51' Joe Cole goes off after the clash with Kovac. Jermaine Jenas comes on.

51' Aerial challenge between Robert Kovac and Joe Cole which sees Cole come away with blood pouring from his head and Kovac a red card.
50
Another clinical foul by Simunic, this time on Rooney just outside the box. Lampard's powerful low free-kick is push away by Pletikosa

47' Darijo Srna booked for a foul on Ashley Cole.

England re-start the game with Capello making no changes at the break.
45+1
The referee brings the first half to an end, with England relatively comfortable in their lead.

45
Ivan Rakitic fires a free kick well over the bar from 25 yards out as the first half goes into added time.

39' Josip Simunic is cautioned for a block against Walcott's run forward..

37
Darijo Srna is penalised for a blatant push on Ashley Cole in the England half, as Croatia chase an equaliser.

26
GOAL! Theo Walcott scores the opening goal, after a burst forward by Rio Ferdinand sees a deflection into the youngster's path and he makes no mistake by firing a low shot into the far corner.

22
Emile Heskey claims for a penalty after appearing to be hauled down by Josip Simunic, but the referee waves away the appeals.

13
Vedran Corluko sees a shot of his hit the side-netting after England fail to clear a Croatia corner.

10
Emile Heskey forces a throw-in after a an attempted cross was blocked by the Croatian defence.

4
David James makes a good save from Danijel Pranjic, whose left footer from the edge of the box hits the target.

1
Croatia line up with one forward, in what is undoubtedly an intimidating atmosphere. After Croatia's early possession, England begin to keep possession.

Croatia kick the game off in Zagreb, after an emotional parade of the national anthems in the Maksimir Stadium.

England
1 David James, 2 Wes Brown, 3 Ashley Cole, 4 Gareth Barry, 5 Rio Ferdinand, 6 John Terry (14 Matthew Upson, 89), 7 Theo Walcott (17 David Beckham, 86) 8 Frank Lampard, 9 Emile Heskey, 10 Wayne Rooney, 11 Joe Cole (16 Jermaine Jenas, 51)

Substitutes 12 Paul Robinson, 13 Glen Johnson, 15 Stewart Downing, 18 Jermain Defoe

Manager
Fabio Capello

Croatia
1 Stipe Pletikosa, 3 Josip Simunic, 4 Robert Kovac, 5 Vedran Corluka, 6 Danijel Pranjic, 7 Ivan Rakitic, 9 Mladen Petric, 10 Niko Kovac (c), 11 Darijo Srna, 14 Luka Modric, 18 Ivica Olic (8 Mario Mandzukic, 73)

Substitutes
12 Vedran Runje, 2 Ivica Krizanac, 13 Nikola Pokrivac, 15 Dario Knezevic, 16 Jerko Leko, 17 Ivan Klasnic

Manager
Slaven Bilic

Match Officials
Referee Lubos Michel (Slovakia)
Assistant Referees Martin Balko and Roman Csabay (Slovakia)

Team colours
Croatia
Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks
England
White shirts, white shorts, white socks
GK: Sky blue shirt, navy blue shorts, sky blue socks

Comments

England TV coverage

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:40:02 +0200

Following England's victory over Andorra on Saturday night, TheFA.com explains the situation regarding the TV coverage of The Three Lions' 2010 World Cup Qualifiers.

The rights for away qualification matches are not The FA's to sell.

This week's games belong to the Andorran and Croatian FAs, in the same way that England's home matches form part of our broadcast contract with ITV and Setanta.

In this particular case, the Andorran and Croatian FAs sold their away qualification matches to an agency ahead of the draw, who have then sold the English broadcast rights to Setanta. Any other broadcaster could have bid for those rights.

However, we can confirm that England fans will be able to watch all of the home qualifiers on ITV - due to the way we have sold our rights - along with our away friendlies including the match against Germany in November.

In addition, ITV also carries highlights for England home friendlies as part of the way The FA structured our broadcast contracts.

Comments

Terry: Patience paid off

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:37:40 +0200

England captain John Terry has praised his team's calm approach after they overcame Andorra to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a positive start on Saturday evening.

Terry admits the Andorrans provided a stern test for Fabio Capello's men, especially as they were able to go into the half-time break at 0-0. But he insists there was never any panic in the England camp.

"I don't think there was any panic at all," said Terry.

"The message from the manager and myself was to keep going because we were doing the things right.

"When they sit back really deep, it is difficult to break them down. We had to keep going and do what we were doing in the first half and eventually it would come like it did.

"The manager only had a few things to say at half-time and that was to keep going and do what we were doing."

Terry's Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole was the man to break the deadlock, coming off the bench to score two goals early in the second half and the defender was quick to praise the midfield man.

"Coley came on with a fresh pair of legs and showed great movement for his first goal and the second one, they were two great finishes," he added.

"I am delighted for Coley. He has been on fire at Chelsea and he has come on in the second half and done really well. When he is not in the team he is really frustrated because he wants to play. But he was fantastic."

England now turn their attentions to Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday and Terry says they will be ready.

"We owe them one but it is a fresh campaign, a fresh start," he explained.

"Even though what happened two years ago is at the back of the players' minds, it is not revenge that we are looking for, it's three points again.

"It will be two massive wins if we win over there and that is what we are aiming to do."

The Teams

Andorra
1 Jesus Luis Koldo Alvarez, 2 Jose Manuel Ayala, 3 Jose Manuel Txema Garcia, 4 Oscar Sonejee Masand (C), 5 Antoni Lima (12 Juli Fernandez, 90+2), 6 Ildefons Lima, 7 Marc Pujol (17 Marc Vales, 90), 8 Marcio Vieira, 9 Fernando Silva (14 Juan Carlos Toscano, 65), 10 Manolo Jimenez, 11 Xavi Andorra.

Substitutes not used
13 Josep Antoni Gomes, 15 Gabriel Riera, 16 Jose Escura, 18 Sergi Moreno

Coach
David Rodrigo

England
1 David James, 2 Glen Johnson, 3 Ashley Cole, 4 Gareth Barry, 5 Joleon Lescott, 6 John Terry (C), 7 Theo Walcott, 8 Frank Lampard (15 David Beckham, 80), 9 Wayne Rooney, 10 Stewart Downing (18 Joe Cole, 46), 11 Jermain Defoe (17 Emile Heskey, 46)

Substitutes not used
12 Paul Robinson, 13 Wes Brown, 14 Wayne Bridge, 16 David Bentley

Manager
Fabio Capello

Match Officials

Referee
Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
Assistant Referee
Bahattin Duran, Cem Satman (Both Turkey)

Comments

Cole brace fires England to win

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:23:18 +0200

England overcame a poor first half performance to beat Andorra 2-0 in their opening World Cup qualifying match, Joe Cole netting a quick-fire brace in Barcelona.

Cole was introduced as a half-time substitute and needed just four minutes to make an impact on the game after England had laboured against the Andorran part-timers during the opening period at Montjuic.

The Chelsea midfielder's second came soon after and with it came all three points as Fabio Capello got his qualifying campaign for the tournament in South Africa in 2010 off to a satisfying, if not spectacular, start.

With one eye of Wednesday's match in Croatia, which promises to provide a far sterner test for Capello's side, the England boss opted to field a slightly weakened side, Glen Johnson replacing Wes Brown at right-back and Stuart Downing being preferred to Cole on the left.

Jermain Defoe lead the line with Wayne Rooney tucked in behind him in a bid to counter Andorra's expected defensive tactics. The hosts did not disappoint, and David Rodrigo's side set out their stall right from the kick-off, putting at least nine men behind the ball at all times.

Nevertheless, England started brightly with Theo Walcott, handed his first international start in preference to David Beckham, in particular causing problems for the Andorran defence.

The Arsenal midfielder used his pace to good effect early on, pulling back for Frank Lampard to let off an ultimately scuffed strike at goal with just 30 seconds on the clock.

The early signs were good, Walcott himself going close moments later as he burst past Oscar Sonejee only to lift his shot over the bar when perhaps a square ball would have been a better course of action.

And when Johnson crashed a first time shot goalwards which was deflected behind for a corner, the upbeat action on the pitch was reflected in the mood amongst the crowd.

But after Rooney blazed over the bar and Lampard fired just wide of the upright before 21 minutes were on the clock, the atmosphere noticeably began to change.

England lost their initial vibrancy and with it went their accuracy of passing and ability to fashion clear cut chances. Downing pumped a number of aimless crosses into the Andorran penalty box, John Terry was guilty of several misplaced passes and Rooney and Defoe failed to create anything up front.

As the whistles increased in number and volume, Joleon Lescott's two miscued headers from successive Lampard corners did little to ease the pressure on his team-mates or their coach.

Unsurprisingly, just as they had on their last visit to Montjuic, the team departed to the dressing rooms at half-time goalless and to a torrent of boos and jeers from their own fans. Once there, the ambiance cannot have been too much more pleasant but Capello responded by making two changes at the break.

On came Emile Heskey for Defoe and Cole for Downing, the latter proving an inspired switch - within 10 minutes England were two goals to the good, Cole netting both.

The first, on 49 minutes, was all about power as he lashed home a close range volley from Lescott's cushioned lay-off, while the second boasted more finesse, the Chelsea midfielder running onto Rooney's clever through pass to finish neatly under the body of Andorra keeper Koldo Alvarez.

With a two-goal cushion, not to mention the crowd, behind them England visibly relaxed and began to play the ball around with far more confidence, although a third goal ultimately proved beyond them.

Sandwiched in between Cole's strikes, Terry went close to adding another with a low drive into the side netting and on 62 minutes Johnson did have the ball in the back of the net, only to see it chalked off with Cole in an off-side position.

Cole himself could then have registered a hat-trick in stoppage time, but his timing was slightly out and his shot was easily saved by Alvarez.

No matter, three points were already secured and with three goals in his last two games, Cole must surely now be in line to make his first start in five when England travel to Zagreb on Wednesday.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport

Comments

Capello Not Fazed By Pressure

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:10:39 +0200

Fabio Capello has insisted he can cope with the pressure as England end 11 months of non-competitive football with their opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra in the Olympic Stadium.

Head coach Capello has had to be content with playing a series of friendly internationals since replacing Steve McClaren in the role after England's failure to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

But now the action starts for real with the expectations high as England look to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Capello said: "For me, the pressure is normal. Always, at the clubs I was manager of, the pressure was very, very strong. Because we had to win 100%.

"It's different now because it was one club, one city. Here it is one country but the pressure is normal in my job.

"It's difficult because the pressure is stretched out longer at international level in that you have to wait maybe a month, not two days or a week as in club football, to change everything.

"It means you have time to think a lot and you have to wait, lots and lots."

Capello is aware of the defensive approach Andorra are likely to adopt and the importance of scoring an early goal after England were frustrated for 45 minutes before winning 3-0 when the sides clashed 18 months ago.

Anything less than a victory against opponents not afraid to compete in a physical manner will be deemed a disaster ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Croatia in Zagreb.

"First, I have to think about the first game against Andorra. The first result. That's very important, to start with three points," Capello said.

"I saw Andorra against Kazakhstan and, in the second half, despite losing 3-0, they were staying back, not giving or creating any space. It will be very important to score one goal early to settle things down.

"After that, we will speak about Croatia. The most important thing will be the result on Saturday and we need to be disciplined.

"I always speak about discipline and the stupid yellow cards and the stupid fouls, always. I hope there is no need to speak more about this problem."

Meanwhile, Capello remains confident centre-back Rio Ferdinand will be fit for the more demanding test against Croatia.

The Manchester United defender and new England vice-captain has been ruled out of the Andorra clash with a stiff neck.

Capello added: "We won't be sure 100% on Rio Ferdinand because he's not fit tonight. He will not be in the first XI, for sure. He's the only one at this moment who's not fit.

"He will be fit for Croatia. He told me this is a normal injury for him. Usually it takes one or two days maximum. This time it's taking more."

West Ham defender Matthew Upson is favourite to deputise for Ferdinand with Joe Cole poised to replace the injured Steven Gerrard on the left flank.

Comments

Rooney Will Achieve Goals

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:08:25 +0200

Fabio Capello has urged Wayne Rooney to regain his goalscoring touch as the England head coach defended his decision to leave out Michael Owen for the World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Croatia.

Capello opted not to select Owen, despite his scoring record of 40 goals in 89 internationals, after watching him in action for Newcastle against Arsenal last weekend.

Now he is hoping that Rooney, without an international goal since scoring against Russia 11 months ago, can fill the breach, starting against the minnows of Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday.

Rooney looked a shadow of himself when partnering Jermain Defoe in last month's friendly international against the Czech Republic at Wembley on his way to recovering from an illness sustained when in Africa with Manchester United.

Capello said: "It is very important for Wayne Rooney to be perfect physically. For the game against the Czech Republic he was not fit. Now he is better physically.

"But he has to score a goal. Psychologically, goals are very important for forwards and if you don't hit the target then it is a problem.

"However, it is not only Wayne but all the other players. It is not important who scores the goals individually but that the team manages to score them."

Owen completed his first 90 minutes of the season against the Gunners having previously come off the bench to score against Bolton and then Coventry in the Carling Cup.

Capello insisted the door is still open for England's fourth all-time scorer but wants him to prove his fitness in the same way as he laid down the challenge to David Beckham when he first took over as England manager 10 months ago.

Capello said: "I considered everything when I watched Michael. It was his first full game. I checked him very well and he was not fit. These days it is important for players to be 100 per cent fit.

"The door is always open though to someone like Michael who is such a good goal scorer and maybe for the next games the situation will be different."

After five friendly internationals, England will finally move into competitive action and Capello is optimistic that they will be able to qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa.

He said: "I have confidence in this England team. We're only just starting on the road to South Africa but we are ready.

"We've played the five friendlies including the last one against a strong team like the Czech Republic. I saw a lot of things in that game.

"Everyone knows how important it is for England to play in big tournaments and everyone is focused on trying to achieve that goal."

Beckham will be starting out on his fourth World Cup qualifying campaign having featured in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 adventures in France, Japan and Germany.

And Capello is adamant that the LA Galaxy star still has a major role to perform for his country.

He said: "If I choose players in the squad, then I am choosing the best players and for me now David Beckham is one of the best players."

Capello will be without the services of Rio Ferdinand against the Andorrans because of a stiff neck and it is likely that Matthew Upson will partner skipper John Terry at the heart of the defence.

There are unlikely to be any other major changes with Joe Cole the favourite to return on the left side of midfield in place of the injured Steven Gerrard.

Capello is mindful of the need of England to keep their discipline as Andorra showed themselves to be an ultra physical side when being beaten by England 3-0 in the same stadium three months ago.

He said: "Discipline is always important and no one wants to pick up unnecessary yellow cards which may impact later in the campaign."

Comments

Terry urges fans to "stick with us"

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:06:34 +0200

England owe their fans something to cheer about after two years of disappointment, said captain John Terry ahead of their opening World Cup qualifying match against Andorra.

England meet Andorra at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona 17 months after being frustrated by the whipping boys of European footbal in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

England were jeered and booed by their own fans before scoring three second-half goals to win 3-0.

Terry said on the eve of Saturday's match: "As players we understand and take the responsibility of the last two years of disappointments.

"We understand the fans' frustration. After 20 minutes last time the fans did not get their goal and they went against. Stick with us, it's a new campaign, it's a fresh start and we go again.

"We need the fans' support, we realise they pay an awful lot of money for their tickets and travel - and it's about time we put on a performance and got the results for the fans and the whole nation," he added.

Terry said the World Cup qualifiers represented a "fresh start" for England after the disappointment of missing out on Euro 2008.

"We start here against Andorra, hopefully we'll get a good start and take that confidence into the Croatia game."

England face Croatia on Wednesday in Zagreb, the team that knocked them out of the qualifiers for the Euros last November with a 3-2 win at Wembley Stadium.

England will be without central defender Rio Ferdinand on Saturday (back) and either Joleon Lescott, Matthew Upson or Wes Brown will partner Terry in the middle of the England back line.

Reuters

Comments

Lampard on life under Capello

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:31:34 +0200

Ahead of England's opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra, Frank Lampard discusses life under Fabio Capello and his own England future.

How does the new international regime under Fabio Capello compare to the last?

He certainly has the kind of personality that is good for England. Fabio Capello is like Jose Mourinho in that he has an aura, something special which marks him out against other coaches. He has won at the very highest level and you can compare him to Mourinho in that sense. He's such a big name and brings charisma and a sense of leadership to the job.

He's talked about restoring confidence among the players. Do you see any signs of this happening?

He is a fantastic man-manager. It excites me that the manager is very tactically aware and that is something that we are used to at Chelsea. He has a reputation of being a strict disciplinarian and I think that can only be good. A lot has been said that the team is undisciplined and now we're going to get kicked into shape but it's not like that at all. If you're an England player - and we have top players here - then you enjoy discipline and you just want to win.

Who are the biggest threats to England in the World Cup qualifying group?

Croatia, it goes without saying, are a good team. But whatever the opposition I think it is fair to say that if we perform to our best we will go through the group. We have to make absolutely sure we are 100 per cent for every game.

Having been beaten twice by Croatia during the Euro 2008 qualification, how should England approach them this time?

We have to think of only one thing - winning.

Do you think England are favourites to qualify?

I think if we perform anything like our best we will get through the group, but no qualifying group is ever easy and this one is certainly going to be tough. We have to play to our strengths and get through the group.

Do you still enjoy playing for England and why?

Of course. Wearing the England shirt is without doubt the proudest moment in your career. Nothing beats playing for your country. We have not been helped by the negative feeling, which has emerged from the fans. I've been booed personally and the whole team got booed during the Croatia game. You can understand the frustration of the fans but it doesn't help.

Would you ever retire from international football to extend your club career, like Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher?

I've not really thought about it. I don't think so, but all players have a right to choose their own options.

Frank Lampard was talking exclusively to BT Vision's On magazine

BT Vision / Eurosport

Comments

Ferdinand out for England

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:28:03 +0200

Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifying match against Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday.

The Manchester United defender has a back injury, but should be fit to face Croatia on Wednesday.

Manager Fabio Capello must now choose from Joleon Lescott, Wes Brown and Matthew Upson as a partner for captain John Terry in the middle of the back four.

It was decided not to risk Ferdinand, who has captained both England and United, the English and European champions, in the past.

Andorra, who England beat twice in their doomed Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, should pose little problem in Italian Capello's first competitive match in charge.

However Croatia ended the hopes of the Three Lions in the final match at Wembley and also defeated Steve McClaren's side in Zagreb, where next week's crucial Group 6 qualifier will be played.

Chelsea pair Joe Cole and Frank Lampard are carrying knocks but are expected to be fit for this weekend's encounter.

Steven Gerrard is out after Liverpool decided that he needed an urgent operation on his groin.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport

Comments

Owen Snub Down To Fitness - Capello

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:20:11 +0200

Michael Owen has been left out of Fabio Capello's England squad on fitness grounds alone.

While there are bound to be some critics who feel Capello has an axe to grind with Owen, there would be little reason to fall out with the Newcastle striker, one of only four players to score 40 goals for England, given the lack of quality at his disposal.

Indeed, Capello spoke warmly of Owen earlier this week, comparing his predatory instincts to those of legendary Italy World Cup-winner Paolo Rossi.

But in the end, having watched Owen make his first full appearance in the flesh at Arsenal on Saturday, Capello felt the 28-year-old simply needed more games.

"Owen is a good player and always scores a lot of goals for England," Capello said on Wednesday before adding: "But he has not played and at this moment, we need fit players."

With Owen missing out and Peter Crouch overlooked once more, Capello has stuck with the same four strikers he selected for the friendly draw with the Czech Republic last month, with Jermain Defoe tipped to partner Wayne Rooney when England open their World Cup qualifying campaign against Andorra in Barcelona.

Robert Green and Joleon Lescott have been recalled, while Glen Johnson will provide cover for Wes Brown at right-back as Gary Neville, like Owen, is deemed not fit enough and Micah Richards picked up a knock in City's win at Sunderland yesterday.

David Beckham has retained his place for a double-header that finishes with the crucial trip to Croatia despite his punishing schedule - he followed the England game with a trip to Beijing for the Olympics handover - and lack of worthwhile match practice with the Los Angeles Galaxy as the reasons behind an apparent decline in performance.

However, it is the selection of Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard that is the major surprise in his 23-man squad.

The 29-year-old has barely earned a mention as a potential candidate for Capello's squad, even after the loss of Steven Gerrard, who accompanied Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick onto the injured list.

But Bullard has found favour following an excellent start to the season, following his influential role in keeping the Cottagers up last term.

Capello is presumably banking on Bullard's experience helping him overcome any nerves at his first call-up and the Londoner's chirpy character should certainly help in the England dressing room.

Comments

Capello names squad

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:19:07 +0200

Andorra v England
2010 Fifa World Cup Qualifier
Group Six
7pm, Saturday 6 September 2008
Olympic Stadium, Barcelona

Croatia v England
8pm, Wednesday 10 September 2008
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb

Fabio Capello has named his squad for the opening two World Cup qualifiers, with England traveling to Barcelona to face Andorra before heading to Zagreb to take on Croatia.

Capello has named a 23 man squad for the games and has called up Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard for the first time, with injuries ruling out Owen Hargreaves, Steven Gerrard and Michael Carrick.

There is also a place in the squad for West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green, whilst Everton defender Joleon Lescott is back in the squad after last being involved for the friendly game with France in March.

The Three Lions head to Spain first for their opening qualifier against Andorra next Saturday before they travel to Croatia the following Wednesday.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham United), Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)

Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Joe Cole (Chelsea), David Bentley (Tottenham Hotspur), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), David Beckham (LA Galaxy)

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermaine Defoe (Portsmouth), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic)

Comments

Highlights vs Czech Republic

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:32:57 +0200

Comments

Capello Looks To Take Steps

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:25:12 +0200

England boss Fabio Capello has challenged his players to make the step up from the Champions League to the international stage ahead of next month's World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Italian insisted there was cause for optimism against the Czech Republic on Wednesday night as England were playing "without fear" and creating chances in the first half at Wembley, although most agreed the hosts were fortunate to rescue a draw at the death.

With England's core players scheduled for at least two club games before facing Andorra and Croatia at the start of September, Capello believes his squad will be ready to take the first steps towards South Africa in 2010.

The task the England boss faces is translating success at club level into a team that qualifies for a major tournament, then to match the likes of Brazil and Spain - but nothing looked much different at Wembley to the regime of Steve McClaren.

"I don't want to speak about the team before my arrival," Capello said. "I am looking to build a team; mentality, passion and everything. This is my problem.

"When they play in the national team they play against the best XI from another country and the level is high, it is not as easy as when you play with the club. It is different."

Capello said prior to the Czech friendly that experimentation was over, so with that in mind Wayne Rooney is likely to play off a main striker in Barcelona and Zagreb when the qualifiers get under way.

"The movement of Rooney and the work that he does in every game is very important for me," said Capello. "I think Rooney, Gerrard and other players are not in perfect condition physically at the moment. That will be very important."

Rooney admits his tracking back in Capello's formation could affect his goalscoring potential.

"Maybe at times I am a bit too honest, and at club level the manager is telling me not to defend too much, to try and save some energy for when we are attacking," Rooney said.

"But sometimes you just want to win the ball back and work hard for the team. That is just how I play.

"Maybe it does affect my goals tally, but hopefully I can learn and get better."

Capello also looks comfortable with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the same starting XI, although he was criticised for playing the Liverpool captain on the left flank.

Capello insists he instructed the Liverpool skipper to play as one of the support forwards to Jermain Defoe.

"You have to understand that this player was not in a good condition at the moment," Capello said. "Gerrard only played one game. This is my opinion."

Capello highlighted the problems his side face against counter-attacking teams, which could play into Croatia's hands next month.

Despite admitting "doubts" about his team after his latest game, Capello feels they are making small steps in the right direction.

He said: "It was the first time they played without fear at Wembley - well or not well, but they played with no fear. This is important. This is the style of the English player.

"I spoke with some people in the dressing room and after the first half they were happy, also the players.

"In the first half we shot six or seven times and I think one of the best players was Petr Cech because he made three saves. This is important for me."

While David Beckham's right boot from set-pieces seems the most likely source of joy for Capello, he insists the former skipper is in the team for his overall contribution to the team.

"People try to find things that are not correct," Capello added. "Beckham plays not only for free-kicks and set-pieces, but because he plays well.

"With Beckham, Rio (Ferdinand) or John Terry it is the same, if they do not play well they are not going to play."

Comments

Let's make Wembley home - Becks

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:23:33 +0200

David Beckham believes England have to make Wembley a fortress once again to help them reach the 2010 World Cup finals.Fabio Capello's squad completed their fifth and final friendly before the qualification campaign begins with a below-par 2-2 draw in front of 69,000 fans against the Czech Republic on Wednesday night - where it took a scrappy injury-time goal from substitute Joe Cole to earn a draw.

Since their return to the now renovated famous venue against Brazil in June 2007, England have been beaten twice - including in a crunch clash with Croatia, which ended Steve McClaren's reign after failure to reach Euro 2008.

Los Angeles Galaxy star Beckham, though, hopes those fortunes will change during the next set of competitive matches, which kick off with an away double header against Andorra and the Croats next month.

"We haven't made Wembley our home yet, that's the biggest thing," Beckham said.

"It feels like when we're going out there, it's tough.

"Every game is tough these days, but we need to make it daunting for players and teams coming to Wembley.

"We will get there, we will build on that, but it's about getting the confidence up, which will happen in the qualifiers."

Beckham acknowledges expectation levels are always raised when England set out on the road towards a major tournament.

"The manager thrives on challenges, he wants the best out of the team, and he'll get that," said the former England captain.

"People expect change straight away and it just doesn't happen like that.

"It is step by step, it's about bonding together as a team, as a unit, and that takes time."

Comments

England vs Czech Republic - Pathetic

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:57:02 +0200

Well you could sum this game up in several words.

There's disjointed, disorganised, uncohesive, passionless, but I prefer CRAP.

The FA should be hanging their pathetic and empty heads in shame. If this is the future for England then we are doomed to being the laughing stock of international football - again.

Capello is not the man to motivate or inspire England. When will the FA realise it ? Well its obvious - when its too bloody late - again.

And how many time do I have to say again ?

We all know the Lampard/Gerrard thing won't work. We all know Rooney is played far too deep. We all know Barry is overated. We all know Wes Brown IS NOT an international. We all know James is a liability and joke. We all know Defoe won't score goals. We all know Beckham is passed it. We all know Heskey has done nothing (excluding 1 goal agin the jerries). We all know John Terry isn't a leader. He's a self motivated, self interested, poser from down south. Need I go on ?

The only glimmer of hope is Joe Cole - thats all we've got.

You know as well as I do, we WILL NOT qualify for anything under the current regime at the FA and under Capello's leadership.

It was, and is, pathetic and an embarassment.

Performance out of 10. A lucky 6.

Go Capello GO !

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Abandoning My Third Identity.

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:51:22 +0200

I'm first a Blackburnian, second a Lancastrian, and thirdly an Englishman.

You may ask what has happened for me to abandon my country. Let me explain.

My heart sank when I read this:

'The FA have described talks with Fabio Capello as "extremely positive" as the Italian moves ever closer to becoming the new England manger.
Capello flew into London for talks over the position today before flying back out to Italy without talking to reporters.
It is believed that the meeting between the FA and Capello took place at Wembley Stadium.
FA Director of Communications Adrian Bevington said: "I can confirm that Brian Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking have today held talks with Fabio Capello in London.
"I'm pleased to say that these discussions were extremely positive and without any problems.
"Fabio has tonight returned to Italy to honour a prior commitment. Understandably, further talks are now taking place between Fabio's advisors and ourselves."
The 61-year-old Italian has become the undisputed favourite for the position since previous front runner Jose Mourinho ruled himself out of the running earlier in the week.
In an illustrious coaching career at club level, Capello won seven Serie A titles (five with Milan, two with Juventus, and one with Roma).
He also won two Liga titles with Real Madrid and the 1994 European Cup with Milan.
As a player he also famously scored the goal with which saw Italy beat England at Wembley for the first time in their history
It is now being speculated that he could put pen to a deal with England before the end of the week. '

So Barwick and his cronies, including Trevor Brooking the only 'football man' who is totally ineffectual and a subordinate to others, at the Football Association are about to cock up again, by picking their second choice, for the second time - and we all know what happened the first time and last time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to go on some jingoistic tirade about Capello being Italian and not English. Although I did want an Englishman in charge of the English National Football Team. It's not about that - I'll tell you what it's about.

1. We've tried a foreign manager and it didn't work.
2. We've tried the FA's second choice and it didn't work.
3. Capello can't even speak English - mind you neither can Gerrard - there's going to be some communication problems.
4. What will happen if he actually does get us to a major final against Italy? I'll applaud him for that - but would an Englishman want to beat England in a final? Or would an Italian want to beat Italy in a final? Can you honestly say that he would? Or would you ?
5. His domestic record is superb - but can you honestly trust Italian football for being clean? How many corruption cases have there been and are still continuing?
6. Are we about to see England playing the Italian way? Heavily defensive and loads of 1-0 wins or defeats? Italian football is boring.

The FA has duped you again. They have done this for over 40 years now. Take a look at who runs the FA. They are not football men they are TV Executives and our Chairman was once involved with Doncaster Rovers ! No offence to Donny but you know what I mean.

He was second favourite by the bookies and second favourite by the FA.
Why should the fans be getting second choice drafts. We have the biggest and best supported team in the World - which other country takes 4,000 fans to a non-event in Vienna?? We deserve better and more from the FA.

I'm appealing to all England supporters to boycott Wembley games. That's the only way to attract the attention of the FA when their losing money. We need change at the FA. Hit them where it hurts - in their pockets.

I live in Los Angeles, but I pay my way - I probably spend more money on just watching England at home or down the pub than most of my repliees do. I'm not going to do it anymore. Not until there is a clear out at the FA, and the fans get what they want!

I'm just waiting for the press conference to confirm his appointment and then people replying to this post saying ' Lets give him a chance'.

Well get back to me in 4 years time when we still haven't won anything. Had some embarrasing moments and are again looking for another manager.

Comments

Capello names squad

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:48:31 +0200

Fabio Capello has named a 23-man squad for his final friendly before the World Cup qualifiers begin, with Czech Republic the opponents at Wembley on Wednesday evening.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart keeps his place in the senior squad having earned his first cap as a substitute in the last England match - away to Trinidad and Tobago.

Emile Heskey is included having missed out through injury after being selected in Fabio Capello's first squad ahead of the friendly with Switzerland. Portsmouth forward Jermain Defoe is also in the squad having bagged a brace during England's last outing.

West Ham United forward Dean Ashton has not been selected due to injury.

After taking on Petr Rada's Czech Republic side, England face Andorra away on Saturday 6 September before meeting Croatia four days later in Zagreb.

Joe Hart Manchester City
David James Portsmouth
Paul Robinson Blackburn Rovers
Wayne Bridge Chelsea
Ashley Cole Chelsea
Rio Ferdinand Manchester United
Glen Johnson Portsmouth
John Terry Chelsea
Wes Brown Manchester United
Jonathan Woodgate Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Barry Aston Villa
Frank Lampard Chelsea
Steven Gerrard Liverpool
David Beckham LA Galaxy
Michael Carrick Manchester United
Joe Cole Chelsea
David Bentley Tottenham Hotspur
Stewart Downing Middlesbrough
Theo Walcott Arsenal
Wayne Rooney Manchester United
Emile Heskey Wigan Athletic
Jermain Defoe Portsmouth

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Capello speaks to LMA

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:20:36 +0200

In a recent interview, England manager and LMA President Fabio Capello told the new League Manager's Association magazine, The Manager, how he’s finding his feet, six months after taking charge of The Three Lions...

"Since I arrived in January, I’ve been very happy with life here in England. London is a wonderful city to live in, although I think I know the M6 motorway better than anywhere else in England!

"Everyone has made me feel very welcome and I’ve had great support from The FA. I’m very impressed with everything I’ve seen at the organisation; the staff work very hard so my coaches and I can get on with the job.

"I want to understand as much as I can about England – not just football, but the people and culture. I’ve been determined to improve my English as quickly as possible, and have had a lesson most days since January. I’m now more confident when speaking publicly, although I’ll continue to improve."

Building relationships

"It’s very important that I have good relationships with the club managers here. I understand how it feels as a club manager when your players leave to play for the national side. We all have different priorities. Mine is to make the England team successful, but we must all work together.

"While I know some managers very well, I want to know all of them better. I’m interested to see how Scolari works at Chelsea. I know him well from Roma – he’s a good man and will do a good job.

"It’s important for me to understand the views and attitudes in this country. Alan Curbishley and David Moyes told me recently about the tradition of managers meeting informally after a match. Next season, I aim to follow their suggestion to join managers after games when I can."

A different level

"At a club you have the players every day, so you can work to improve things quickly. The players soon understand what you want them to do, your principles and the style of play you’re after.

"You can train every day, and go through things before and after training. And, if a game doesn’t go well, you can try to put it right in the next one, a few days later.

"With the national team, you see a lot less of the players. This is not a complaint; you know it will be the case when you take the job. But it means it’s vital to make the most of the time you have. You have to be clear about what you want to achieve and ensure the players understand this.

"When you’re together for a longer period, it’s important to develop relationships and build team spirit. Group mentality is even more important at international level."

The fear factor

"The biggest challenge is getting individuals to play for England like they do for their clubs. There has been a lack of confidence among players and it’s my job to rebuild that.

"There’s a lot of pressure when playing for your country and this has perhaps weighed down too heavily on some players. We need to free them of that so they can play naturally, without fear.

"English players have always had a reputation for a great work ethic. But I’ve also been impressed by their level of skill and technique. This combination will help us succeed. I’m certainly very happy with the players I have in the England squad."

The interview with Fabio can be found in The Manager magazine, which is available to download from www.leaguemanagers.com

Comments

Captain named next week

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:16:58 +0200

Fabio Capello will name his permanent captain for the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers on the eve of England's next friendly against the Czech Republic on 20 August.

Capello has experimented with a number of players in his first four games in charge with Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Steven Gerrard all being given the chance to wear the armband and stake their claim to be captain for the national side.

The England Manager is relishing the chance to meet up with the England players again when they prepare for the Czech Republic friendly at Wembley and believes his new leader will help the Three Lions qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Capello, speaking at the The FA/McDonalds National Football Festival said: "I will announce the captain the day before the [Czech Republic] game and I will speak with the captain just a moment before the announcement is made, at the team hotel.

"The next game is important because we will be together again for the first time in the new season. Against the Czechs, the first eleven will be the best for me at this moment.

"After the games against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago, when we stayed for ten days together, it's very important for me to be together another time.

"The match against the Czechs is also important because it's a good test to know which players are very fit at this moment. The Andorra and Croatia matches are very close.

"We will qualify for the World Cup in South Africa. I am sure of it.

"We're a very good team. For us, the opponent is not important, the important thing is what we do."

Capello will name his squad for the Czech Republic game on Saturday night and is still waiting to hear on the fitness of influential duo Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

The England Manager believes it is vital for his squad to have played during the pre-season and knows it will be crucial for him to assess the player's fitness when they join up for the game next week.

Capello added: "I announce the squad on Saturday after the first day of the Premier League. But the most important games will be played on Sunday.

"Gerrard and Rooney are very important players and I don't know whether they will be fit for this game. I hope they will be fit for Andorra and Croatia and we'll be able to play them in the squad.

"It's very important for me that the players that I decide to put in the squad are playing [for their clubs] and are getting games.

"It's impossible to be fit if you don't play in pre-season games. This is a game that is good for me and us because I can see exactly the general condition of the players.

"Before the next squad is announced, some will play two games and others three games - Liverpool and Arsenal will have the qualification for the Champions League, and others will have played in UEFA qualification.

"It's very important."

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Capello: We will reach South Africa

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:26:42 +0200

Fabio Capello has pledged to take England to the next World Cup in South Africa.

The Italian inherited a squad which did not reach Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren, whose disastrous reign ended in a defeat in the Wembley rain against Croatia last November.

Given England only needed a draw to qualify and Croatia were already through, there appears little reason for confidence in a group which again pits the Three Lions against the Croats.

Not only that, the general standard of play at Euro 2008 was viewed by many as beyond the reach of England's beleaguered players.

Capello watched events unfold in Austria and Switzerland at first hand, seeing Croatia in action on three separate occasions before returning home to keep up with the rest on TV.

Yet his faith in his players remains undiminished. And he is adamant they will reach South Africa in two years' time.

"We are a very good team," he said.

"It is always the same. For us, the opponent is not important. The important thing is what we do.

"We will qualify for the World Cup. We will be in South Africa. I am sure of it."

Indeed, it seems Capello was not left as starry-eyed by Euro 2008 as some of the pundits.

The former Real Madrid coach singled out eventual winners Spain for special praise. But of Holland, Russia and the obdurate Germans he said not a word.

And he was not left spellbound by new tactics or formations either.

"I watched some games live and saw the rest on TV," he said.

"Only Spain played in a different style. Only the characteristics of their play was different.

"But I have a lot of confidence in my team and I think we will be okay."

Capello was speaking at the National Football Festival at Wembley which was organised by McDonalds.

Over 800 children took part in the event, the pinnacle of 50 free football festivals around the country, which saw 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst put in a special appearance alongside Capello.

The Italian will soon have more pressing matters on his mind though.

Rather than announcing a large squad on Thursday, then cut it down once the weekend's opening Premier League fixtures have been completed, Capello will name his squad on Saturday evening for the friendly with the Czech Republic at Wembley on August 20.

It seems an odd strategy given three games, potentially including a dozen key men, do not take place until 24 hours later.

Manchester United alone could field six England players against a Newcastle side containing Michael Owen at Old Trafford.

Frank Lampard, David James and Jermain Defoe are likely to be involved as Chelsea meet Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge, while Gareth Barry is still likely to be with Aston Villa when they entertain Micah Richards' Manchester City.

Also in action are both potential captains, given Steven Gerrard has apparently been ruled out of the running and David Beckham's appointment for the friendly in Trinidad this summer seemed a mainly political move to appease influential FIFA executive committee member Jack Warner.

Rio Ferdinand won warm praise for his faultless performance at Wembley on Sunday as United beat Portsmouth in the Community Shield.

Ferdinand has been tipped as Capello's favoured choice, although the opinion mainly seems to be based on John Terry looking a bit glum around the Chelsea training ground.

Yet it appears whatever is vexing the Chelsea skipper it cannot be the captaincy issue.

For Capello has no intention of telling either man, or anyone else for that matter, who will his new-look England until next week.

"I will announce the captain two days before the game," he said.

"I will speak with the captain just a moment before I tell the rest of the squad, then everyone else will find out."

Sporting Life / Eurospor

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Capello wants Lamps in England

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:52:01 +0200

England coach Fabio Capello on Friday urged Frank Lampard to snub Inter Milan and stay at Chelsea.

Lampard is a transfer target for Inter boss Jose Mourinho, who worked with the England star during his spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old has just a year to run on his current contract and is yet to announce a decision over his future, but Capello believes the England team would benefit if he remained in west London.

"As England coach I would prefer it if Lampard remained in England. He would have less travelling to do that way," he told the Sun.

Capello has good reason to want Lampard to stay close to home because the Italian already has such a shallow pool of English talent to choose from.

In contrast to Italy, where over 70 per cent of the players in Serie A are homegrown, just 35 percent of Premier League players are available to Capello.

"I'm worse off than (Italy coach) Marcello Lippi, than everyone. I have Welsh players, Scottish, Irish," he said. "In the Premier League only 35 per cent of the players are English. In Italy it's about 72 per cent."

South Africa dreams
Capello revealed he will finish coaching once he leaves the England job, with success at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ his goal in the meantime.

"I will complete my contract with England, but my time in the dugout will end with my England experience," he said. "However, I would like to end my career having made an impact at a World Cup."

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager also gave David Beckham hope that he can have a role to play in South Africa despite his move to Major League Soccer.

Capello said: "As long as he's at the level to play, he'll play."

Comments

Capello out of his depth?

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:43:35 +0200

International management can be a very lonely job and at least Fabio Capello, bringing in a regiment of Italian support for his swollen entourage, should not suffer from that. But the Beckham affair has a resonance, an alarming significance, which goes far beyond a single player and a single game.

Fabio Capello, already looks a potential disaster. It was bad and ominous enough that, as we well know, he should have sent his sidekick on an 11000-mile trip to watch Beckham in a friendly. But worse in Paris was to follow. Yes, the whole football world knew that Beckham had his tongue hanging out for his surely undeserved 100th cap. So one assumed he would be used against France for what might be called a symbolic, short portion of the game. Not least when, in Blackburn’s David Bentley, England had one of the most-gifted and effective right-flank players in the whole of Europe.

But what, in the event, happened. First, Beckham rather than Bentley started the game. Very well, you might have thought, he would be given his token 10 minutes or so, then taken off to ringing applause, that 100th cap now in his possession. Not a bit of it. Beckham, slower than ever, capable of just one major thing, the use of his elegant right-foot to curl in insidious free-kicks and crosses, stayed on the field to the exclusion of Bentley for 63 whole, mediocre minutes. By which time France had long since gained a grip on a game they would win, it is true, only on a penalty; though the 1-0 score was exceedingly kind to England.

Afterwards, Capello indulged in what could only be described as fluent nonsense. “I’m very happy about David Beckham,” he burbled. “He played like I know he can play. I only substituted him because I wanted to see other players.” Consider that. Wanted to see other players. Wanted, one must assume, to see a David Bentley whom he had had every opportunity to see and appreciate for weeks past. The absurd implication being that Beckham was still the rightful incumbent of the England right-wing, whereas Bentley has still to prove himself. In other words, a very severe and dangerous case of Beckhamitis. Sheer logic turned on its head.

This, however, though by far the most serious blunder by Capello, was by no means the only one. The choice of Manchester United’s ever-vulnerable Wes Brown at right-back proved as mistaken and costly as it promised to be.

But, given the bizarre nonsense Capello came out with the day after the debacle in Paris, perhaps one should not marvel at his erratic choice. He seemed on the face of it to be drawing a weird comparison between Beckham and his dazzling, super, versatile successor on the Manchester United right-wing, Cristiano Ronaldo. True, there were certain negative aspects of England’s display in Paris for which you could hardly blame Capello. The strange irrelevance on the left-flank of Joe Cole who has been playing so well for Chelsea. The latest blunder in goal by David “Calamity” James, giving away another of his penalties against France when miscalculating his dive at the feet of Nicolas Anelka. From which France got the winner. Shades of the European Championship finals in Portugal four years ago when James gave away that other penalty against the French.

Three days later at Portsmouth he put on a coruscating display for the home team against Wigan, making a spectacular save from a penalty and others besides winning applause from his manager Harry Redknapp, who thinks he’s a major star, and even from the excellent opposing ’keeper, Chris Kirkland. But James is James and he, alas, has had other, still more disastrous, games for England, notably in Vienna and Copenhagen.

But then there was the question of tactics. Playing Wayne Rooney up front on his own was destined to be a failure. He has never liked doing so for England. Put him up there for Manchester United, however, and dazzling support surges around him. Using Steve Gerrard “in the hole,” as they say, just being the front runner, was another plain mistake, even if that is where his own club Liverpool are now deploying him. It will never be the ideal role for Gerrard as was made all too plain at the end of last season when Liverpool used him there in the European Cup Final against Milan, which they lost. Ideally, Gerrard wants to play in the centre of midfield, whence he can surge forward in attack, making frequent use of his powerful, right-footed shot.

How then to account for Capello’s strange Beckhamite aberration, and such other errors as he made in Paris. I am forced to fear that, while he has had so much success as a club manager with Milan, Roma and Real Madrid, barring one unhappy season at Milan, he may be essentially a club manager who finds the transition to international football too much for him. For, beyond doubt, it is a very different game, all the less easy to adapt to for a club manager who will have all his fit players available to him every day of the week, and can shuffle the pack tactically as he wishes, secure in the knowledge that he knows exactly what and whom he has at his disposal.

Capello would be neither the first nor the last of successful club managers who surprisingly fail to make the transition. Remember the sad case of Don Revie who had transformed Leeds United from a second rate club with a struggling team into one of the most powerful and successful in Europe. He had over his players an absolute dominance; an inspirational force. Yet, once he took over as the England coach in 1974, it was another, wholly different and depressing story.

His well-known anxieties and superstitions seemed to consume him. His tactics were as strange as those of Capello in Paris. The players derided his pre-match “preparations” of carpet bowls, and the presentation of dossiers on the opposition which they stubbornly used as the place to write their playing card scores!

International management can be a very lonely job and at least Capello, bringing in a regiment of Italian support for his swollen entourage, should not suffer from that. But the Beckham affair has a resonance, an alarming significance, which goes far beyond a single player and a single game. If Capello can get things so stubbornly, even farcically, wrong, and try to justify them in the aftermath, what hope can there be for him and for the England team?

Now Capello is in trouble galore in Italy. First, accused of massive tax evasion though the word is that he can pay his way out of that. Now accused in court of withholding the truth about his role, alleged, in the referee bribing scandal which surrounds the ineffable Luciano Moggi, ex-kingpin at Juventus where Capello, of course, was manager. Capello says he just doesn’t remember. The prosecution insists that isn’t good enough; and there is talk of potential prison.

Here the Football Association says it isn’t worried; but who gives credence or significance to whatever statements come out of Soho Square especially when Italian law is involved? Meanwhile David Bentley has publicly expressed his disappointment of what so flaccidly went on in Paris. Who could blame him?

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CAPELLO DEMANDS IMPROVEMENT

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:18:00 +0200

England coach Fabio Capello is expected to return to London on Monday and has urged his side to build on their first friendlies under his leadership with the 2010 World Cup qualifiers starting in September.

Capello recently flew to Thailand where he was a guest of the country's football federation but is now concentrating on England's friendly with the Czech Republic on August 20 at Wembley.

The 62-year-old said in Gazzetta dello Sport: "With respect to our last two games, we must start again and show improvements.

"I expect my players to continue doing what I ask them to do."

Capello offered a light-hearted comment about Inter Milan's unsuccessful attempt to sign England midfielder Frank Lampard.

Lampard is set to remain at Chelsea next season.

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Capello - just another FA cock-up ?

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:43:31 +0200

Today on our aniversary of winning the World Cup in '66 I reflect on that great day but then I look at The FA and blame them for over 42 years of disaster.

So Barwick and his cronies, including Trevor Brooking the only 'football man' who is totally ineffectual and a subordinate to the others, at the Football Association are about to cock up again, by picking their second choice, for the second time - and we all know what happened the first time and last time.

1. We've tried a foreign manager and it didn't work.
2. We've tried the FA's second choice and it didn't work.
3. Capello can't even speak English - mind you neither can Gerrard - there's going to be some communication problems.
4. What will happen if he actually does get us to a major final against Italy? Would an Italian want to beat Italy in a final? Can you honestly say that he would?
5. His domestic record is superb - but can you honestly trust Italian football for being clean? How many corruption cases have there been and are still continuing? Juventus, Milan, Fiorentina etc......
6. Are we about to see England playing the Italian way? Heavily defensive and loads of 1-0 wins or defeats? Italian football is boring.

I live in Los Angeles, but I pay my way - I probably spend more money on just watching England at home or down the pub than most of anybody else does. I'm not going to do it anymore. Not until there is a clear out at the FA, and the fans get what they want!

I'm just waiting for the press conference to confirm his appointment and then people replying to this post saying ' Lets give him a chance'.

Well get back to me in 4 years time when we still haven't won anything. Had some embarrasing moments and are again looking for another manager.

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