Ruud Van Nistelrooy says Capello's the man for England.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy believes Fabio Capello is the right man to lead England to World Cup success in South Africa, even if his former team-mate Wayne Rooney suffers further injury problems.

Former Manchester United favourite Van Nistelrooy played under Capello after his move to Real Madrid, where they combined to secure the 2006-07 La Liga title for the Spanish giants. And he is well aware of the qualities the Italian can bring to a squad of high-profile players. 

"When [Capello] walks into a room there is a presence there," said Van Nistelrooy. "It is his way or the highway. He walked into a very difficult dressing room at the time at Madrid – with Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos and all these stars. At the time in Madrid Becks [David Beckham] was out of the side because he signed for Galaxy. But after that he kept training and working and Capello played him. That is what he is. He is very clear in that sense.

"He is tough, he is direct [and] deep down you know that he's right. He knows what is necessary to get the best out of players."

Capello has already helped elicit some scintillating form from Rooney, whose nine goals during World Cup qualifying helped England reach this summer’s tournament, but Van Nistelrooy feels that even without the influential forward, Capello will have the answers come tournament time.

"I think [Rooney] was a massive influence achieving the goals for England. I think he can make the difference between making the quarter-final and the semis. In his position in England at the moment there is [no one] better than him. [However] if, for one reason or another he can't play, you know Capello will find a way."

Back in England to prepare for his Hamburg side’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Fulham, the former Holland international believes his English counterparts will truly benefit from Capello’s expertise. 

"I was so disappointed when [Capello] left Madrid. I told him that. I was really gutted because I felt there was so much more in there for us if he had stayed. I really had that sensation, and that's what he has proven with England as well.

"I spoke to some of the English lads about him before he got to work and I told them: 'He is going to turn it around and he is going to be unbelievable for England.' And that's what he does. He is a successful manager and he achieves things."