Capello celebrates his birthday today, hopefully with a win in Cape Town.

England Manager Fabio Capello turns 64 today and there is only one present he really wants; three points against World Cup opponents Algeria.

The Three Lions play their second Group C game in Cape Town tonight, knowing victory over the Algerians would put them in a strong position to progress from the group. And after their opening game draw against USA it is unlikely the Italian will settle for anything less.

While this is ‘Don Fabio’s’ first appearance as a manager at the World Cup he does, of course, have experience of the finals as a player.

The midfield maestro attended the 1974 finals with the Azzurri and played every minute of their three group games, getting on the scoresheet in their 2-1 defeat against Poland.

Despite victory over Haiti and a 1-1 draw with Argentina, the tournament ultimately ended in disappointment for Capello, as Italy failed to qualify from their group due to an inferior goal difference against the South Americans.

Perhaps that disappointment will provide Capello with even greater incentive to lead England into the knock-out stages and, as the man himself has said, even into the Final.

If he manages to do that, it wouldn’t just be a present for the Italian but for the whole of England.