Capello's belief
Sunday, 25 May, 2008
Fabio Capello has a genuine belief that England have enough quality to go far at the World Cup in 2010.
England v USA
International Friendly
8.05pm, Wednesday 28 May 2008
Wembley Stadium
Fabio Capello has a genuine belief that England have enough quality to go far at the World Cup in 2010 and perhaps lift their first piece of silverware since 1966.
The last time England came close to reaching the final was back in 1990 when they lost to Germany on penalties in the semi-finals in Italy.
The England Manager is convinced he can take the Three Lions one stage further in two-years time and has the players to beat any team in the world.
Capello said: “I think I can take England further than Bobby Robson in 1990, why not? I have always worked to arrive at the top, why should I think differently?
“I have been with Roma, Juventus, Milan, Real Madrid and always wanted to go to the very top. I don’t understand why people feel differently. We need to be ambitious.
“We have good material here and have been competitive against every team. My ambition is to arrive at the top. You have to work to change the mentality.
“I believe we can do that but the players must also believe. By September I will have the full picture.”
Capello is determined that the England players transmit their impressive club form onto the international stage and is taking the next two friendlies against USA and Trinidad and Tobago seriously as he looks to shape his team before the World Cup Qualifers get underway.
The Italian was thrilled to see so many of his players playing in the Champions League Final last week and is keen for them to have the same kind of passion playing under him.
Capello added: “England had two teams in the Champions League Final and they are ambitious teams. You have to transmit the same ambitions in the England team.
“When a player puts on the England shirt you have to play with a certain kind of spirit and that is very important. I will play the first eleven who I think are the best players at the moment.
“Against USA I want to see one team playing like a group, with courage, and strong. It is very important for me to recover the spirit of the England team.”
And when England meet the USA at Wembley on Wednesday, Capello is expecting a tough game against a side who he feels will be a lot fresher than his squad.
"The United States are a good team," he added. "In the last three games they have scored seven goals and won the last two against Poland and Sweden. They drew against Mexico and I think it will be a good test for us.
"They are a strong national team and it is not easy to play against them at the moment because they have fresh legs and we are tired. But that is not an excuse."
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