Fabio Capello is preparing for the biggest game of his England managerial career to date – and expects nothing else but a win. He can smell qualification.
He’s not worried about the scoreline though, and said at today’s Press Conference ahead of the Kazakhstan clash: “The most important thing is the result.”
England have won five out of five qualifiers and if they could make it seven out of seven by the end of the Andorra game, Capello believes that should be enough for qualification.
He said: “These two games are very important because they represent the biggest step towards South Africa.
“If we arrive with 21 points after these two games, that is a lot of points and should be enough. That is what we are aiming for.”
The England head coach played down the absence of
Rio Ferdinand and said: “We have played a number of games without Rio and done well so I am not worried.
“I have great confidence in
Lescott and
Upson and I don’t think it will be a problem. But if, when we return to London, Rio is fit then he will be back with us.
“I am happy with the centre backs I have chosen and I am happy with the fact that we have won five games in the group.”
Capello didn’t give anything away in terms of the goalkeeper he will select, but
Robert Green is likely to get the nod.
The Italian added: “I have spoken to Ray Clemence and the other coaches and they tell me that all three keepers are in great condition. I will make that decision in the morning.”
As for the state of the pitch in Almaty, he said: “Until the first training session there it is impossible to say. But other teams have played here so I don’t see it as a problem. We have to play here and there will be no excuses.”
Capello hinted that
Theo Walcott could play a big part, as he is super fit at the moment.
“Because he was out for some time with injury and because he has not played as many games as some of the other players, he is in good shape.
“I saw him in his last game for
Arsenal and he looked very fit, very sharp. He was happy to play for the Under 21s and after these games he will join up with the Under 21s for the Euro finals.”
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