Capello plans surprises
Marc Issacs
Tuesday, 13 October, 2009
Manager set to make changes on Wednesday.
Fabio Capello is planning to spring some surprises for England's final World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Wednesday night and wants to finish the campaign on a high note.
The England coach will be missing influential duo Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney through injury, but says he is looking forward to seeing some of his other players stake a claim for a regular first-team place.
Rooney has been ruled out with a calf injury, while Gerrard limped out of training on Tuesday morning with a groin strain but Capello is still hoping to see his side put on an impressive display in front of the home fans at Wembley.
Capello said: "Gerrard had the same pain as yesterday and is going back to Liverpool.
"Rooney is a very important player for us. The style of Rooney is the one that I like in my team. But I have big confidence in the other players.
"We will play with a different style and some different players and it will be a very interesting game for me.
"We have other important players that we can win with and without Rooney.
"It is possible there will be some surprises. It is good for us to play well and see some players for the future.
"I think it will be more important for us to win games next year and have good morale going into the World Cup. This game is good for experience."
Capello has invited all 55 players who have been part of the Three Lions qualifying campaign to attend the game against Belarus on Wednesday night as a thank-you for their contribution.
Capello added: "We have invited all the players, but I'm not sure if they will all be here because they have to train on Thursday.
"We will be happy for the ones who will be here and for those who cannot make it. It is a family of the England team."