EXCLUSIVE: Lennon hails Fabio factor
Stuart Mawhinney
Wednesday, 14 October, 2009
Flying winger Aaron Lennon hails the effect Fabio Capello has had on England.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon has praised the impact that Fabio Capello has had on the England team, and in particular the role Capello played in helping his international return.
At just 19-years-old Lennon was part of the World Cup in Germany three years ago, but was unable to continue his incredible progress until Capello recalled him earlier this year.
Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com for the Official England Programme, Lennon said: "He has been brilliant to work with. Obviously he's been good to me, I had been out of the squad for a long time so for him to put me back in was brilliant.
"It's everything about him, the way he is around the hotel, the way he carries himself and the discipline he has brought to the team is excellent. If you look at the results it's definitely working."
Lennon also revealed that his lightning pace was very much a family trait.
"It's definitely a natural gift," Lennon explained. "My whole family are the same, they have great speed and are athletic. My Dad, my sisters, brothers are all quick so it's definitely in the family.
"From a very young age I knew I had it, I was always one of the quickest in the group in all the sports I took part in. It's continued as I've got older, and it's definitely a big plus for me."
When Lennon was named man of the match against Croatia last month, the world's fastest man Usain Bolt was in the crowd, but the England winger doesn't think it would be a contest between himself and Bolt.
When asked if he could compete with the 100m and 200m World Record holder, Lennon laughs: "I don't know about that! I never really competed in the sprint events at school, or timed myself over those distances, a lot of people always ask me about that. I don't think I'd be able to compete with Usain Bolt!"
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