Capello compares England to 'Barcelona'
Published 18:23 02/09/10 By John Cross
Wayne Rooney will lead England’s attack tonight as Fabio Capello sticks with his World Cup flops.
England boss Capello will also keep faith with his favoured 4-4-2 formation with Rooney and Jermain Defoe up front against Bulgaria and Wembley.
Capello is set to start with EIGHT of the team which was thrashed as it was dumped out of the World Cup by Germany with keeper Joe Hart, Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and Everton defender Phil Jagielka the only changes.
And Capello even mocked his critics who claim his tactics are outdated and ineffective after England’s disastrous World Cup campaign and said his philosophy is similar to Barcelona.
Capello said: “I’ve read that. You have to play different styles - yeah, yeah, yeah. Before this game, I never read these different things.
“Where is the different style? A 9-1 formation? Teams play 9-1. Where is the different style? Is there a difference between 4-4-2, 4-5-1 or 9-1? People are happy to write different numbers.
“One forward, nine defenders. Five attacking? Five defending? That’s the modern style. You can see Barcelona, other teams. All the players have to defend, all the players have to go forward. That’s the modern style, and we played this style, always.
“When you win you play the perfect style. When you lose you question positions on the pitch. That’s good. It’s your job. It’s my job to find the best solution. I will change some things but not a lot.”
Capello has backed Manchester United striker Rooney to come through his lean spell and lead England to qualification for Euro 2012.
Capello added: “I checked on him (Rooney) during his last game against West Ham. He is good, he is back.
“I’m happy because he is scoring goals. It is always important for forwards to score for confidence. He will play with style.
“We have to play without fear. I saw the players trained well and with confidence. I hope we can see the same against Bulgaria.”
Jagielka is likely to start despite an ankle injury and could partner Matt Upson in central defence while Walcott is set to get the nod on the right.
