England v Egypt:FABIO CAPELLO has warned his England players that they must make sacrifices off the pitch over the next three months to avoid any repeat of the recent controversies that have threatened to deflect the national team's attention from this summer's World Cup finals.
The Italian pinpointed the wealth lavished on young players in the modern game as the root of the problems which have flared up too often to wreck the reputations of the likes of Ashley Cole and John Terry, his deposed captain, over the past month.
The England manager will seek evidence that standards have not slipped on the pitch against Egypt this evening having reminded his squad of their wider responsibilities with the team’s first game in the World Cup, against the United States, only 100 days away.
“The private life is a big problem for some players, but also a big problem for their clubs and, in the end, for me,” said Capello. “It’ll be really important the players, in this last period (before the World Cup), are careful in their own private lives at every moment.
“These are important players and they have to be an example to the children and all the fans. For that reason, they have to stay careful and sacrifice something in their lives.”
Asked whether he was being unrealistic by expecting players not to give in to temptation off the pitch, the England coach said: “Why? We hope not, no. I remember in Spain, players would go to the disco and sometimes drink something, but they did not have big problems with different players, different girls, different women. These are young players, young boys, but rich boys . . . this is the problem.
“It’s not only here that it is a problem. In Italy, in Germany, in Spain – in every country where football is so important, like it is here – it’s the same problem. But I think the next three months will be okay for all my players.”
The ruthless sacking of Terry proved Capello does not merely deliver empty threats, as the players acknowledged following his warning before training on Monday.
“All the players take it as read what the manager says,” said Steven Gerrard, who will captain the side tonight for the first time in two years. “We understand what he wants from us. We listen and take note.
“The manager’s talk was short and sweet, and told us to focus on the football. He reiterated that we have responsibilities as players both on and off the pitch. We are in the spotlight, but we’ve got to behave. Everyone is aware of that.
“The manager has taken the decision to take the captaincy off John. It’s a tough job being the England manager and you’ve got to make big decisions. He’s done that and we all follow.”
Terry will start this evening’s match against the Africa Cup of Nations winners, the first of three friendlies before England begin their World Cup tournament in Rustenburg on June 12th, with Capello urging the Wembley crowd not to barrack the former captain.
The Italian, who will name his provisional squad for the finals on May 11th, insisted he was unperturbed by the recent uncharacteristic errors that have crept into the Chelsea centre-half’s game, mistakes that led to goals for Everton, Internazionale and Manchester City most notably.
The Italian added he still hoped City’s Wayne Bridge will reconsider his decision to retire from international football ahead of the finals, but expressed some concern over the continued absence of his new permanent captain, Rio Ferdinand, who is recovering from yet another back injury.
“I went to Manchester and met him, and spoke with Alex (Ferguson) and I know what’s happened,” said Capello. “I spoke with (the United chief executive) David Gill at Wembley and he told me it’s not the same problem. He told me this. I don’t know. I hope he will be fit in a short time because he needs to play. Only when you play games can you find good form.”
Capello will finalise his selection today but is moving towards reinstating Rob Green in goal and offering Leighton Baines a debut at left back in the absence of the injured Ashley Cole. Theo Walcott will earn a ninth cap.
