Fabio Capello has already made a positive impression on the England players whose respect for the new man has been instant - despite the fact that, from day one, they were hit with a strict set of rules.
When the players assembled at the team hotel in Watford on Sunday for their first meeting with the Italian ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland, they were confronted by a noticeboard which read:-
* Lateness will not be tolerated, room service is banned and mobiles can only be used in bedrooms;
* Players must eat together in smart dress and must wear team blazers when in public and at matches;
* Players will be called by their surnames;
* No WAGS, relatives or agents are allowed to visit.
But even though Capello has laid down the law in no uncertain terms from the off, the new 'military' regime has been welcomed by senior squad members like Rio Ferdinand and possible skipper Steven Gerrard.
Not susprisingly, most of the media questions fired at the England players centred around the new boss, and the no-nonsense way he operates. Manchester United defender Ferdinand explained: "He calls me and a lot of the other players by our surnames. His coaching staff call us by surname as well. That's the way it is.
"The Becks' decision proved there is no sentiment about the boss. Nine out of ten other managers would probably have picked him but this manager has made his decision and its not our place to question that or react to it.
"We're not here to worry about anyone else's feelings. Were here to be part of a successful team. It is his job to pick the squad and if we're going to be successful we will live or die by his decisions.
"He commands your respect, just knowing what he has achieved gives him an aura, but there is no fear involved. It is like the first day at a new school, going to secondary school from primary school.
"You are intrigued and excited to see what new ideas and methods the manager has got and what he is going to bring. We are like school kids, soaking up all the information he has got."
Gerrard has also been impressed with the way Capello has begun his reign, not least the fact the Italian delivered his first team meeting and training session in English.
"It was all English. It surprised me, he was really good," confirmed the Liverpool captain. "All the session was put across to the players in English. He got some help from a translator but it was better than I thought."
He added: "We had a quick meeting last night and he told us it is a fresh start for everyone. He wants a winning mentality around the place and he wants to build a winning team and wants players pulling in the same direction.
"He thinks we can improve defensively and going forward and we were straight into it this morning. He is a very good manager and you want to work with the best and the FA have certainly employed one of the best managers in the world."
Capello has already proved to the players he's not been sitting idly whilst waiting for his first get-together and Gerrard has also been impressed with the manager's growing knowledge of the English game, and the England players he has turned to initially.
"He said to us in a team meeting, and also on the training ground, that he has paid attention to watching how we perform individually and as a team. He has watched a lot of our games.
"I don't think it is about enjoying yourself with the manager off the pitch. It is all about seriousness and getting results in an England shirt. That is the most important thing, not having a laugh and a joke. I think everyone was nervous because it is a new manager but we're certainly excited."
Whilst Capello has a reputation for being a disciplinarian, Gerrard says he doesn't bring with him a 'fear factor'. "I don't think as a footballer you are scared of any manager but you have to respect them and you have to adapt to what the main man wants.
"You want to impress the manager. No-one is guaranteed a starting place so we have to use these friendlies to impress. It is also a chance to get back to winning matches."
