England head coach Fabio Capello believes that England are technically as good as the European Championship winners, and will strive to ensure qualification to the next major international tournament; the World Cup...
Steve McClaren's England side spectacularly failed to qualify for this summer's European Championship. The standard of the competition has prompted further criticism from certain quarters claiming that England may be on the end of a further shock seeing as they have been grouped with the team that oversaw their Euro demise, Croatia.
Further pressure has been added to Fabio Capello and his side as set targets of a World Cup semi-final were expected. Since then, qualification to the competition has been re-set as the priority, and the England manager believes this will be achieved, stating that his players are technically greater than he had originally estimated.
Speaking to reporters at England's home, Wembley Stadium, Capello said: "Technically the players are as good Spain’s but with a different style and mentality. They just have to be very confident."
On qualification he said: "We have a good team - it’s important to focus on ourselves. We can qualify; we will be in South Africa, I’m sure."
On the quality of this summer's tournament, Capello stated: "The level at the Euros was good, but we have that same level or better." Adding that his role as manager would be to ensure that the spirit of the teams at the Euros will be transmitted to his own side.
During the Italian's reign at the helm of the English national side England have beaten the Swiss, the States, and Trinidad and Tobago, while losing one-nil to the French. All have been played within a friendly atmosphere. There is one more warm-up game to be played, against the Czech Republic, before qualification begins for the World Cup.
The former Madrid boss will name his England squad after Saturday's first round of Premier League games.
Further pressure has been added to Fabio Capello and his side as set targets of a World Cup semi-final were expected. Since then, qualification to the competition has been re-set as the priority, and the England manager believes this will be achieved, stating that his players are technically greater than he had originally estimated.
Speaking to reporters at England's home, Wembley Stadium, Capello said: "Technically the players are as good Spain’s but with a different style and mentality. They just have to be very confident."
On qualification he said: "We have a good team - it’s important to focus on ourselves. We can qualify; we will be in South Africa, I’m sure."
On the quality of this summer's tournament, Capello stated: "The level at the Euros was good, but we have that same level or better." Adding that his role as manager would be to ensure that the spirit of the teams at the Euros will be transmitted to his own side.
During the Italian's reign at the helm of the English national side England have beaten the Swiss, the States, and Trinidad and Tobago, while losing one-nil to the French. All have been played within a friendly atmosphere. There is one more warm-up game to be played, against the Czech Republic, before qualification begins for the World Cup.
The former Madrid boss will name his England squad after Saturday's first round of Premier League games.
