'Courage and strength'
Wednesday, 28 May, 2008
Fabio Capello says he wants his England players to play every game with courage and strength.
England v USA
International Friendly
8.05pm, Wednesday 28 May 2008
Wembley Stadium
After five days with his England squad preparing for USA at Wembley, Fabio Capello says he wants to see his players performing with courage and strength when they take to the field on Wednesday.
As the England players reach the end of an eventful season, particularly those involved with Chelsea and Manchester United who played out a thrilling Champions League Final in Moscow, Capello has little doubt that they will have the energy and drive to perform in these final two games.
Capello said: "When you play for the national team you have to play like it is a final in every game.
"I want to see one team playing like a group, with courage and strength.''
Capello also spoke about Wayne Rooney and his desire to see the Manchester United forward play with a strike partner on Wednesday evening.
"It is very important for me to see Rooney not as the first but the second striker," Capello explained before revealing how well he felt David Beckham had performed in training.
"I saw David in training work very well. It was good. He is very fresh as the US players have just started their season.
"The fixture is good for David. He is very fit."
The importance of the increased number of training sessions was made clear by Capello, who also believes that the games with England could provide an opportunity for the Chelsea players to forget the Champions League final in Moscow.
"It is very important because the players can know what I think about their position," said Capello.
"The players have worked very well and trained for four sessions in two days.
"After 10 days holiday we needed two sessions a day and they have worked very well.
"For Chelsea players it is also very important to play and forget the last game in Moscow."