Capello anxious to avoid a group get together with Trapattoni and Tardelli

FABIO CAPELLO is anxious to avoid being placed in the same group as the Republic of Ireland in this evening’s draw for the Euro 2012 finals and has reiterated that it will be his last tournament in charge of England.

England will be drawn from pot two and there remains the prospect of competing in the same group as Spain or the Netherlands, ranked as the two best sides in the world by Fifa, as well as potentially Portugal and France.

The Republic of Ireland, managed by Capello’s friend and compatriot Giovanni Trapattoni, are in the fourth pot, but would represent awkward opponents.

“I spoke with Giovanni Trappatoni and Marco Tardelli after they got through,” Capello said. “They were both really happy. I think it’s a real success for Ireland and for this manager. It is a great thing.

“I hope we are not (drawn against them). The countries are close and also it would be two Italian managers, so I’d prefer not to be drawn with them. We cannot draw Italy as we are in the same pot, but this would be the same for me to face another Italian manager.

“I think you need to avoid (the highest ranked teams in) the first pot, so Spain and Holland. After that there are also Portugal and France in the third and fourth pots, and these are the teams I would prefer to avoid.

“You also need to be careful with Ukraine and Poland, as they can improve a lot with home advantage. It is possible they could be the surprise of the tournament.

“I remember watching some games at Euro 2008 and Switzerland and Austria, the host nations, were very unlucky. You need to be careful with the home teams because the fans can make a big difference.”

Capello believes that the 16-team European Championship will represent a sterner challenge for his side than last year’s World Cup in South Africa.

“Absolutely, this time it will be stronger,” he said. I think that some teams who didn’t play well at the World Cup will now be back at the top. Teams like Portugal, France and Italy will be better and it will be a really tough tournament.”

Capello has reiterated his intention to leave his position on the expiry of his contract next summer. “As an England manager, this is it for me,” he said. “I think we can prepare something different.”

The FA intend to turn their attention to the appointment of a successor after the finals.

Guardian Service