England to face Germany….again
January 25, 2008
Winning is everything has learnt that England are to play Germany in Berlin on 19th November.
The friendly represents the first time England have faced the Germans on their own soil since that famous 5 v 1 victory in Munich back in 2001.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Head Coach Fabio Capello said “I’m delighted this fixture has been arranged, it should be a real challenge and something the players will look forward to,”
It promises to be an interesting evening and one which I am thoroughly looking forward to. Its always good to beat the Germans, even in friendly matches.
Lets hope Fabio can bring back a good win and if he has time a chippy for Stan Boardman – he looks anorexic lad does!
ITALIAN COURTS TO INVESTIGATE CAPELLO
January 16, 2008
England Head Coach Fabio Capello is being investigated for tax irregularities by the Italian authorities it has been revealed today.
Although the FA have stated that they are confident no charges will be made, the courts are looking into earnings generates during his tenure with Serie A giants Juventus between 2005-6.
Capello is facing his first major media leak since taking over the England role although he has assured the FA that all his tax documents are in order and all payments have been made.
The FA are making no further comment but the media are sure to welcome the first real bit of dirt on the new coach. Welcome to England Fabio!
ENGLAND SCHEDULE “IDEAL” – CAPELLO
January 15, 2008
Fabio Capello has described the qualifying schedule for the 2010 World Cup as “ideal”.
The Italian’s first competitive fixture as England Head Coach will be against part timers Andorra on September 6th but following their victory at Wembley to knock England out of Euro 08 all eyes were fixed on the Croatia dates.
England will face their toughest opponents away on 10th September whilst the return match will be at Wembley just under a year later on 9th September 2009. Capello registered his delight with these dates by stating that “September is a good month for English footballers” with a confident grin.
Lets hope it is Fabio!
Full schedule is as follows –
Andorra (a) Saturday, 6 September 6 2008
Croatia (a) Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Kazakhstan (h) Saturday, 11 October 2008
Belarus (a) Wednesday, 15 October, 2008
No game – Saturday, 28 March, 2009
Ukraine (h) Wednesday, 1 April, 2009
Kazakhstan (a) Saturday, 6 June, 2009
Andorra (h) Wednesday, 10 June, 2009
No game – Saturday, 5 September, 2009
Croatia (h) Wednesday, 9 September, 2009
Ukraine (a) Saturday, 10 October, 2009
Belarus (h) Wednesday, 14 October, 2009
CAPELLO OFFICIALLY BEGINS ENGLAND REIGN
January 7, 2008
Fabio Capello officially took control of the England team today, his brief being very simple – to restore the nations pride in their football failures.
Speaking to The Times Capello said “It is a huge honour for me to today begin my work as England manager. I have wanted this job for a long time. I have had the privilege of managing some of the most successful clubs in the world, but the England job is as big as any.”
The 61 year old Italian prepared for the first day in his new job by watching Manchester United’s victory at Villa Park on Saturday, followed by Luton Town’s battling draw against Liverpool yesterday.
It is understood that Capello will be at both Carling Cup semi-finals this week, by which time he will have had the opportunity to view the majority of players expected to be involved in England’s friendly with Switzerland next month. The two obvious exceptions being Chelsea captain John Terry who is still recovering from injury and former skipper David Beckham.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is the only player likely to feature against the Swiss who Capello has previously managed. It is no secret that despite their turbulent relationship in Madrid, the two do have a very genuine mutual respect for each other. It is therefore anticipated that Beckham will earn his 100th England cap next month, possibly being reinstated as captain for the match, and will surely figure in Capello’s short term plans at the least.
The Italian has also had a “very productive” meeting with Under 21 Manager Stuart Pearce as well as conducting preliminary talks surrounding the 2010 World Cup Qualifying campaign due to start in September. The meeting to determine the fixture schedule for the qualification phase will take place in Zagreb next Monday and is to be the first official engagement for the new England Head Coach.
Like McClaren before him, results will determine how long Capello stays in the England role and whether history will deem him as being a success in arguably the hardest job in football. There is certainly a real buzz of anticipation embracing England fans at the moment, yet the Italian will be painfully aware how quickly this can change and the wrath of the country become weighted on his shoulders.
Succeed or be succeeded – simple as that Mr Capello – we wish you well!
