5 February 2008
VIDEO: Fabio Capello press conference

Fabio Capello told the media that Steven Gerrard will captain England against Switzerland on Wednesday.

England v Switzerland
International Friendly
8pm, Wednesday 6 February 2008
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1
Read the full interview in the matchday programme - click here

In his office, overlooking Soho Square, Fabio Capello sat down with TheFA.com for his first interview as England Manager.

Capello was relaxed and looking forward to starting his reign as England’s 15th manager after his appointment in December when England take on Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday.

He’s been travelling up and down the country to games, and between his number two, Franco Baldini, and himself they have already seen a large proportion of Premiership clubs in action.

Capello has also used every opportunity to help his English progress, too. A speaker of three languages before coming to England, his fourth is shaping up very well. And, despite the presence of his teacher and interpreter, he was determined to carry out the majority of the interview in English.

He also answered a number of questions from the fans, who sent their posers for Capello to TheFA.com last month.

Here’s a few of his answers, but you can read the full interview and all of the questions in the official match programme, which will be available at Wembley on Wednesday or you can pre-order online today.


What would you say are the major differences between English football and the Italian game?
Jonathan Ricketts, Lincoln
There is a big difference because the Italian players play with more technique. The style is also different and on the pitch you have play different. In Italy the referee whistles continuously, but here the referees do not blow up as much, for this reason the game flows much more.

What qualities are you particularly keen to instil in the England players during your time in charge?
James Collinson, London
The players have to perform at the same level for England as they do for their clubs. For me, this is very important.

Will you pick players on form or will you pick a nucleus of players that you regard as the best available, regardless of form?
Tim Pringle, South Normanton
I will be choosing players for what they do on the field and not for any other reason. They have to have a value to the team and I like I have said before, if they display the right attributes to benefit the team, then I will pick them.

How will you work with the youth team set-up to make sure that England has fresh young talent being developed for the future of the senior team?
Elaine Flower, Southampton
I speak regularly with Stuart Pearce and we talk about this subject. It’s something that is very important and I will be looking at it closely and helping The FA as much as I can in the future.

Its a simply question really... Will you win us the World Cup?
Geoffrey Tromans, Wolverhampton
I’m not the only manager who wants to win the World Cup, everyone wants to win, but of course my aim is to win it.

You can read the full interview and Q&A in Wednesday's England v Switzerland match programme, which is available to pre-order online today, click here...