Capello remains upbeat

Fabio Capello remained positive about England's performance in Paris despite his team losing to Franck Ribery's first half penalty.

The loss is the Italian's first in only his second game in charge of England.

"I'm actually quite happy because I've seen an improvement," he said. "We played against a top level country and I think we did well.

"The way we played, the way we didn't let the opponents play too much, and especially the fact that we played with personality.

"We did especially well in the first half. Unfortunately we conceded the goal."

David James felled Nicolas Anelka in the box and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. But Capello defended the Portsmouth stopper.

"I didn't see it clearly but I don't think he could have done better than that."

Capello made six changes, including replacing David Beckham with David Bentley, and insisted the substitutions are vital as he moulds the team for the future.

"I need to see all players play, especially in real matches like this one in order to have a clearer idea about how the players will do in the (World Cup) qualifying campaign. I hope England will be ready by August 20."