Capello looking to recover the spirit
Sunday, 09 August, 2009
Fabio Capello wants to recover the spirit of last season against Holland.
As he prepares for England's first match of the new season, Fabio Capello says that his most important task this week will be to recover the spirit of the group from June.
The Three Lions face Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday, before taking on Slovenia and Croatia next month, and Capello is looking to quickly restore the confidence created when England made it seven wins out of seven against Andorra in June.
Capello admitted: "We have to choose to create the spirit of the group that I found in June when we played Andorra and Kazakhstan. It's really important to recover this spirit.
"We have to create the spirit of the group, to stick together and prepare for the next really important game against Slovenia and Croatia. For the players it is really important to play well and I will choose the best in every moment."
When asked if he would be looking to rotate the players during England's game on Wednesday, Capello explained that right now time on the pitch is what players need to recover their fitness.
"Now is no problem. They are fresh and they need to spend a long time on the pitch," Capello revealed.
"We have to decide with the players, some will play Saturday some will play Sunday. Training will be different.
"But the game is a good chance for us against one really important country. They are ranked third in the Fifa rankings, so it will be a really good test before we play Croatia."
Capello was also keen to stress the good working relationship he enjoys with the club managers.
"I speak with them always about the general situation of the players. But after, I decide. Ok?
"I respect everything about the managers; someone has to win the Premier League, someone has to win the Champions League, someone has to finish fourth - I have to respect everything.
"I will help the managers, but also the managers have to help me and the relationship will be good. It depends on the moment; they may say 'Fabio, please, this player is tired he needs to play just 45 minutes' Ok, no problems. But, after, I decide."
One player that Capello has not selected, but is keeping an eye on is Arsenal's Jack Wilshere. The midfielder will be in action for England U20s on Tuesday night at West Bromwich Albion, but Capello sees him as one for the future.
"He surprised me, really," Capello admitted. "I saw him three times last year in the Carling Cup. This year he has improved a lot. He has a big personality with the ball he plays without fear.
"He has big confidence, and also his teammates pass the ball always to him. This is the confidence. This is not normal to be so young, so good.
"I think he will be in the next squad with the U20s, that will be really important for him."
Following Wednesday's friendly England face Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday 5 September before their next World Cup qualifier with Croatia four days later. Buy tickets for both games here.
Remember you can stay in touch with the England squad via our text updates on Twitter