History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

CAPELLO IMPRESSED BY BECKHAM

David Beckham looks likely to make his 108th appearance on Wednesday when England play European Champions Spain, after head coach Fabio Capello dropped a big hint on Friday, saying that has been impressed by the midfielder's fitness since joining AC Milan on loan.

Beckham, who turns 34 in May, will equal Bobby Moore's Three Lions record number of caps for an outfield player if he takes to the field in the friendly at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium in Seville. And Capello has been delighted with the form of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star since being loaned from Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy to the Serie A club.

The former England captain, initially discarded by Capello's successor Steve McClaren, has scored twice in his first five appearances having joined the Rossoneri on a three-month loan in January.

He believes he is fitter than he has been in some time, and in an obvious plea to Capello to select him he said in midweek: "When I came to Milan, my body fat was at 13.7 per cent. Now, it is down to 8.5 per cent. The training regime has helped."

While the Italian coach, who managed Beckham at Real Madrid in 2006-07, insists that he has no interest in anyone's personal milestones - "I never think about this when I choose a player or make a substitution" - he admits he has been pleased with Beckham's physical improvement in Italy.

"He is better than he was six months ago," said the 62-year-old. "He is fit now. This is important for David and for us. And every player in the squad has to play, not just train.

"He is a very important player and I've watched him in one game in Milan and (deputies) Italo Galbiati and Franco Baldini saw his other games. He is getting better and better with each game."

Capello said that he could understand Beckham's desire to remain at Milan, a club he himself spent three years at as a player and managed for six years when he collected nine items of silverware including the Champions League trophy in 1994.

"The game is different in Serie A [compared to the America MSL]," continued Capello. "There is more pressure. It is stronger. That is the difference. I think he wants to stay for those reasons - it's exciting, Milan are a good team.

"But he has to choose. I've never spoken to him about it - that is not my job. It's AC Milan or Los Angeles' problems. David is very fit now and this is important [for me]."

Labels: Bobby Moore, David Beckham, England, Fabio Capello, Spain

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CAPELLO GIVES POSITIVE END-OF-YEAR REPORT

Fabio Capello believes that England’s team spirit has been the most important improvement in his year in charge. The Italian head coach, who took charge on January 1 this year, gave his end-of-year assessment at the Football Association’s headquarters in Soho Square.

And, after eight victories, one draw and one defeat in his first 10 games in charge, the 62-year-old, can be pleased with his first year. England top their World Cup qualifying pool, Group Six, after impressive away wins over Croatia and Belarus.

But Capello believes that the team improved their attitude and belief after losing 1-0 to France in March, and this in turn has bred confidence – and match-winning performances.

He said: “I am happy for the result and I am happy with what we did to create a group mentality and [improve] the spirit. We have managed to recover the confidence [of the players] – this was the most important work that we did.

“The spirit of the squad has been great, and most important. Without that spirit in the group, the confidence will not be there and it is impossible to win. Sometimes you can win one game because one player has scored a goal. But without the spirit it is impossible.”

Capello views his side’s 1-0 defeat to France in his second game in charge as the turning point in England’s fortunes – simply because he made them believe.

“I think the most thing was when we lost to France,” he continued. “Back in the dressing room I told the players it was another step forward. And the players thought I was crazy!

“I knew before we played France it would be hard, as they have been world champions. And we played in France, and in Paris. For half-an-hour we played very well. And when you can play [well] for half-an-hour, you can play well for the whole game. After this game, because of that reason, we moved forward.

“I understood the problem immediately, when we played the first game against Switzerland [which they won 2-1 in February]. The players were not tested mentally and physically. When we played at Wembley I understood that these were not the same players [as they were for their clubs].

“I realised that the problem was in the mind of the players. Now we are better. We need time and we will continue to work. It is important to be a psychologist but we need good players to win! Good psychologist, bad players – it is impossible to win. We want to be better.”
Michael Owen, the Newcastle striker and captain, could be involved in England’s next squad too, says Capello – despite not featuring in his England teams so far.

The 29-year-old has been in good form for his club after an injury-hit year, and Capello, whose team host Slovakia in March’s friendly, said: “I know he has been playing very well, and scored a good goal [against Portsmouth in Sunday’s 3-0 win].

“The door of the national team is always open. I will check [his form] before the next international game. I will then decide if he is ready, if he is OK. The most important thing will be if he is fit.”

Capello also praised Aston Villa’s young forwards Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor, and tipped them to star for England in the near future. He added: “I am very happy for the players who play at Aston Villa. I also like [James] Milner, who is another young player. These players are the future, and it is a bright future [for England].”

Labels: England, Fabio Capello, Michael Owen, World Cup 2010

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CAPELLO: ENGLAND WILL NOT GO FOR DRAW

England head coach Fabio Capello has told his squad they will have to repeat their impressive performance away at Croatia to gain the win he is looking for against Belarus.

The Italian has masterminded a 100 per cent success rate so far in the campaign - England top Group Six - and he is hoping to make it four out of four against the Belarusians, who he claims will be "tough opponents".

"It is a very important game for us," said Capello. "I spoke with the players and told them that it is important to get a result as we have to wait six months for the next game.

"We are having a good moment, we have a lot of confidence, and we will be looking to get a positive result. If we win against Belarus we will be very happy because we will have won four out of four games and will have 12 points.

"We played one very strong game against Croatia away, which was important for the mind, for our confidence. And on Wednesday it will be another game that is not easy.

"I have seen three of Belarus' games and they have a good team. They drew with Argentina at home and drew with Germany so we know that it will be a very tough game.

"But I always think about the victory. I never tell the players that we are going for the draw, but that we have to win. We have to play like we played against Croatia: strong and quick.

"And it is important that we put good pressure on their players who have the ball. We don't want to play with long balls but with good movement off the ball."

Following impressive away victories over Andorra (2-0) and Croatia (4-1) last month, Capello's team romped to a 5-1 win over Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday.

And he believes that there is more to come from two-goal hero Wayne Rooney, the 22-year-old Manchester United forward.

"He is a player who can play in many different positions," continued the head coach.
"With Manchester United he plays on the left and the right and I thought he had a good game in Moscow in the Champions League Final when he was on the left.

"When he scored the other day playing as a second striker he looked good. I am very happy about Rooney because he is a fantastic player. We have a lot of good players in this England squad."

Capello also believes that Chelsea's Wayne Bridge, who hasn't not started a competitive game for England in over a year, will be a more than adequate replacement for the injured left-back Ashley Cole.

"I think he is the best left-back behind Ashley Cole - that is why he is in my squad," Capello added. "I saw him play his last game and I think he will be fine on Wednesday."

Labels: England, Fabio Capello, World Cup 2010

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:33 pm | Permalink | Comments

CAPELLO: ENGLAND WILL NOT GO FOR DRAW

England head coach Fabio Capello insists that his team will not be playing for a draw when they take on World Cup qualifying opponents Belarus in Minsk on Wednesday.

The Italian has masterminded a 100 per cent success rate so far in the campaign - England top Group Six - and he is hoping to make it four out of four against the Belarusians, who he claims will be "tough opponents".

"It is a very important game for us," said the 62-year-old former Real Madrid manager. "I spoke with the players and told them that it is important to get a result as we have to wait six months for the next game.

"We are having a good moment, we have a lot of confidence, and we will be looking to get a positive result. If we win against Belarus we will be very happy because we will have won four out of four games and will have 12 points.

"We played one very strong game against Croatia away, which was important for the mind, for our confidence. And on Wednesday it will be another game that is not easy.

"I have seen three of Belarus' games and they have a good team. They drew with Argentina at home and drew with Germany so we know that it will be a very tough game.

"But I always think about the victory. I never tell the players that we are going for the draw, but that we have to win. We have to play like we played against Croatia: strong and quick.

"And it is important that we put good pressure on their players who have the ball. We don't want to play with long balls but with good movement off the ball."

Following impressive away victories over Andorra (2-0) and Croatia (4-1) last month, Capello's team romped to a 5-1 win over Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday. And he believes that there is more to come from two-goal hero Wayne Rooney, the 22-year-old Manchester United forward.

"He is a player who can play in many different positions," continued the head coach. "With [his club Manchester United] he plays on the left and the right and I thought he had a good game in Moscow [when United won the Champions League in May] when he was on the left.

"When he scored the other day playing as a second striker he looked good. I am very happy about Rooney because he is a fantastic player. We have a lot of good players in this England squad."

Capello also believed that Chelsea's Wayne Bridge, who hasn't not started a competitive game for England in over a year, will be a more than adequate replacement for the injured left-back Ashley Cole.

"I think he is the best left-back behind Ashley Cole - that is why he is in my squad," Capello added. "I saw him play his last game and I think he will be fine on Wednesday."

Labels: Belarus, England, Fabio Capello, World Cup 2010

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:43 pm | Permalink | Comments

CAPELLO: FANS WERE WRONG TO BOO COLE

England manager Fabio Capello, who earlier in the week had urged supporters to applaud the national team, hit out at the Wembley crowd for booing Ashley Cole during England’s 5-1 World Cup Qualifying win over lowly Kazakhstan, ranked 105 places below their hosts according to Fifa.

The result means England have a 100 per cent success rate after three games, and they sit clear at the top of Group Six. But, to the frustration of supporters, the Italian’s team did not open the scoring until 52 minutes, when stand-in captain Rio Ferdinand headed in. Two goals from Ferdinand’s Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney, a strike from substitute Jermain Defoe and an own goal followed.

But Chelsea defender Cole allowed the visitors a consolation goal when his misguided pass found onrushing striker Zhambyl Kukeyev and briefly let the Kazakhs back into the game at 2-1. Capello was disappointed by the fans’ reaction who aimed their derision at the left-back following the blunder.

“He did one mistake,” protested Capello. “I don’t understand why the crowd boo against one player.

“When you play you can do a mistake. It is easy. The crowd help us a lot but I do not understand why they are against us for one mistake.”

Despite the reaction of sections of the Wembley crowd, the England coach pronounced himself pleased with the performance.

“It’s a good result,” he added. “We played a good second half and also the first half [was good]. After 2-0 we had more occasions to score the third goal.”

Labels: Ashley Cole, England, Fabio Capello, Kazakhstan, World Cup 2010

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:10 pm | Permalink | Comments

PROUD TERRY RETAINS ENGLAND CAPTAINCY

John Terry has been named by Head Coach Fabio Capello as permanent captain of England, retaining the role he was first selected for in Steve McClaren's first match in charge of the country, two years ago to the month.

The 27-year-old Chelsea defender, capped 44 times and who has led England in 14 games already, had been widely tipped to retain the captaincy, but faced strong competition from Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who was named vice-captain.

"I was shocked," said Terry when he was told by the Italian, who had used four temporary captains since taking charge at the beginning of the year, that he would retain the armband. "I had heard little whispers that Rio had got it. He has been in awesome form on the pitch.

"It means the world to me to retain the captaincy - it makes me very proud and is extra special this time. I have 14 games experience as captain and now my target is to help England qualify for the World Cup [in South Africa in 2010]."

England will face Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra in Group Six of the qualifying pools. On Wednesday they host Czech Republic in a friendly before travelling to Andorra early next month to begin their campaign to South Africa.

"I will give everything," continued Terry. "We need to concentrate on qualifying. It is our sole target after the disappointment [of not advancing to the European Championship Finals this summer].

"I have shown what I can do on and off the pitch. Messers Capello, [José] Mourinho and [Luiz Felipe] Scolari have seen something special in me."

Coach Capello hinted that it had been Terry's strong character that had won him the captaincy over Ferdinand. "When Rio was captain in a friendly he played very well. It was very hard to choose.

"John has a big personality - that's why I chose John [over Ferdinand]. Rio is very important to the team - he will be vice-captain.

"John will be the driver of the team. For the national team it is a very important season. We have to play every game like a final. I know the players better now - we have played four friendlies."

Labels: Chelsea, England, Fabio Capello, football, John Terry

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:56 pm | Permalink | Comments

BROOKING BACKS PEARCE APPOINTMENT

Sir Trevor Brooking has welcomed the appointment of Stuart Pearce as one of England head coach Fabio Capello's backroom staff because it will provide him with valuable experience.

The former Manchester City manager remains coach of the England Under-21 side.

He will join up with the seniors for the friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday after the previous night's Under-21 game against the Republic of Ireland at Southampton.

Pearce, 45, will also be involved with Capello for two end-of-season friendlies, as the Young Lions do not have a match then.

Brooking, the FA's Director of Football Development, said: "We want to tap into Fabio's knowledge and give Stuart as much experience as we can under him.

"We want to keep Stuart on as Under-21 coach as much as possible. Last summer at the European Championship was a great experience for him.

"With the lack of Under-21 qualifiers, there is the chance to involve him in the national team.

"We have to make sure that in the longer-term we are developing quality English players and coaches and get to the situation where we can appoint talented English managers for the national team."

Labels: Fabio Capello, football, Football Association, Sir Trevor Brooking

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CAPELLO NO PROBLEM WITH THE LINGO - BROOKING

Fabio Capello will have no problem addressing the media in English by the time the national team play their first competitive fixture - September's World Cup qualifier away to Andorra - having mastered the language.

According to the Football Association's director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking, England's new Head Coach is well on the way to fluency.

And when he assembles his squad for the forthcoming friendly against Switzerland, Capello will communicate to the players in English.

When the 61-year-old former AC Milan, Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid manager was unveiled by the FA in December, he vowed to learn sufficient English to address his side within a month.

Brooking insists Capello is well on course, and he will speak in public when he is up to speed.

He said: "When we are chatting in English, Fabio understands exactly what we are talking about. He just wants to be a little more cautious than actually talking in front of a group.

"His English is improving all the time. I'm sure once we get into the competitive games it will not be a problem at all.

"Fabio speaks three languages anyway, so he is picking it up very quickly. He is certainly picking up England quicker than I am Italian!"

Capello is due to name his first squad on Saturday for next Wednesday game against the Swiss at Wembley.

David Beckham, dropped under the Italian when both were at the Bernabeu last season, could become only the fifth player to reach 100 caps for England.

Brooking praised the 32-year-old, currently training with Arsenal in LA Galaxy's close season, saying: "There is a small group who have got to a hundred caps and if anyone is lucky enough to reach one hundred they deserve it."

Peter Shilton has 125 caps, with the late 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore second with 108 appearances. Sir Bobby Charlton, England's leading scorer with 49 goals, has 106, while 1940s and 50s centre-half Billy Wright gained one fewer.

"I remember Bobby Moore in my day," Brooking added. "I think if any player achieves half of that it is a superb achievement.

"David is a fantastic ambassador for English football. But in the end it is Fabio's decision and we will have to see what he decides."

Beckham first wore the captain's armband for England in November 2000 when caretaker manager Peter Taylor named him skipper in a friendly against Italy. He tearfully relinquished the role at the conclusion of Germany 2006.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has announced plans to open a footballing academy in Brazil. The Beckham World of Sport in Brazil, near Natal, will be the third academy he has founded behind complexes in London and California.

The former Manchester United star is a partner in the Cabo São Roque resort project and will oversee the centre, which will consist of a mini-stadium, football pitches, training facilities and accommodation.

Labels: Fabio Capello, Football Association, Sir Trevor Brooking

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:51 am | Permalink | Comments

CAPELLO EARNS MANAGERS' SEAL OF APPROVAL

Fabio Capello will be granted a hero’s welcome when he begins his rein as England Head Coach in the New Year. Not only do the fans think that the 61-year-old Italian is the right man for the job, but he has received almost unanimous support from the Premier League’s top managers – something that could not have been said about his predecessor, Steve McClaren.

Capello was confirmed by the Football Association as Steve McClaren’s replacement today. He will take full-time charge of John Terry and co on January 7 and has signed a four-and-a-half deal reportedly worth a massive £6m a year.

But, most importantly, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma manager, has been given the seal of approval by all the top managers in the Premier League. They are highly impressed by his record of five Italian Scudettos and two Spanish La Liga titles, as well as the 1994 European Cup.

The league’s longest-serving boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "It is necessity that a national team manager is experienced, has a good CV and a presence.

“They must also be of the right age and Fabio has all those things. He will definitely command the respect of the players."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill, who was an early front-runner when McClaren was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, agreed.

He said: "It is a really good appointment. He has got the CV and he has proven himself a brilliant manager.”

Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson – the first foreign boss the FA appointed – has known Capello for years. “I was his opponent in Serie A for 10 years,” the Manchester City manager said. “He is a very good man and manager. His record speaks very clear - Capello is one of the best managers you can find."

Rafael Benitez was quick to show is admiration. The Spanish Liverpool boss said: "He is a great manager and he is a winner. He is a good worker and has clear ideas what to do.”

Sunderland’s Roy Keane continued the train of compliments. “His CV is fantastic,” the 36-year-old said. “There have been disagreements about the fact that he’s not English but he comes across as being an absolutely brilliant, no-nonsense brilliant manager.”

Labels: England, Fabio Capello, football

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:40 pm | Permalink | Comments

CAPELLO EARNS MANAGERS' SEAL OF APPROVAL

Fabio Capello will be granted a hero’s welcome when he begins his rein as England Head Coach in the New Year. Not only do the fans think that the 61-year-old Italian is the right man for the job, but he has received almost unanimous support from the Premier League’s top managers – something that could not have been said about his predecessor, Steve McClaren.

Capello was confirmed by the Football Association as Steve McClaren’s replacement today. He will take full-time charge of John Terry and co on January 7 and has signed a four-and-a-half deal reportedly worth a massive £6m a year.

But, most importantly, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma manager, has been given the seal of approval by all the top managers in the Premier League. They are highly impressed by his record of five Italian Scudettos and two Spanish La Liga titles, as well as the 1994 European Cup.

The league’s longest-serving boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "It is necessity that a national team manager is experienced, has a good CV and a presence.

“They must also be of the right age and Fabio has all those things. He will definitely command the respect of the players."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill, who was an early front-runner when McClaren was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, agreed.

He said: "It is a really good appointment. He has got the CV and he has proven himself a brilliant manager.”

Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson – the first foreign boss the FA appointed – has known Capello for years. “I was his opponent in Serie A for 10 years,” the Manchester City manager said. “He is a very good man and manager. His record speaks very clear - Capello is one of the best managers you can find."

Rafael Benitez was quick to show is admiration. The Spanish Liverpool boss said: "He is a great manager and he is a winner. He is a good worker and has clear ideas what to do.”

Sunderland’s Roy Keane continued the train of compliments. “His CV is fantastic,” the 36-year-old said. “There have been disagreements about the fact that he’s not English but he comes across as being an absolutely brilliant, no-nonsense brilliant manager.”

Labels: England, FA, Fabio Capello, football

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:40 pm | Permalink | Comments