'Play with confidence'

As he prepares to send his team out for his second match in charge, Capello revealed that he is pleased with the evolution of attacking options at his disposal, and believes that playing World Cup Finalists France will be a significant challenge.

"I want us playing with confidence, playing with personality and not to be afraid of taking risks. It's playing like you do for your own club.

"But we must take one step at a time, understand things and each other, and set out to achieve important things. It's not about setting specific levels. It's about gaining the conviction that we can reach great targets."

Capello identifies in Raymond Domenech's French team, a capable opponent who will offer a stern test to the Three Lions in Paris.

"It's certainly going to be our hardest match because France are a good team and we're playing at the Stade de France, where there will be a good atmosphere. It will be a very good test."

Despite that, Capello is confident in the players he has available, and was particularly pleased with the club form of his attacking options, with Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard both identified for the positions they have played domestically in recent months.

"In the last few games I've seen [Wayne] Rooney; he's been a main striker but I've also seen Steven Gerrard as a second striker," Capello reflected. "There's been a constant evolution from the beginning of the league [season] until now. That means I have greater choice as to where to play players."

Capello also believes that he it will be important to continue to monitor the form of the younger players, and pick the right moments for their integration into the senior team.

"We have been following young players very attentively," said Capello. "We have, as part of our group, young players and experienced players. We will continue to follow younger players, but I believe they need to be brought into a working group – a group that is working.

"In my experience as a club manager, you need to bring new players into a group that's working, not rushing things. You need to give time and not judge players the first time you see them."