Capello lays down law to England WAGs
NO-NONSENSE England coach Fabio Capello has laid down the law for ‘WAGs’ at next summer’s World Cup to ensure no repeat of the “circus” under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The presence of wives and girlfriends were seen by some of part of the reason for England’s underachievement at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and then the failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
But after leading his side to the 2010 tournament in South Africa with a 100 per cent qualifying record, strict disciplinarian Capello has wasted no time in ordering that players should only see their loved ones one day at a time in between matches.
“I like what we made here at training where the players stay together,” the Italian said. “When we are in South Africa the players need the wives, friends, the girls. One day after each game.” Capello then warned: “We are there to play, not for a holiday.”
England’s thumping 5-1 victory over Croatia which guaranteed qualification on Wednesday has sent the nation into World Cup euphoria with some believing Capello’s men are good enough to relive the glory of 1966.
As reward for their 100 per cent qualification, England are expected to be handed top seeding in the World Cup group draw which takes place in Cape Town on 4 December.
But the ice-cool Italian is determined to keep his side’s “feet on the floor” insisting the work has only just started. “We are a good team, we are playing well, but we must keep our feet on the floor,” he added.
“I always said that we are a really good team. Our players are really good players and the confidence we have now has improved a lot.
“We made the first step but we must work hard because to win the World Cup would be a really strong moment.”