Capello: Sweden game bigger than Spain shock
Published 22:28 13/11/11 By Martin Lipton
Fabio Capello last night claimed tomorrow’s game with Sweden is bigger than the shock win over world champions Spain.
FA chiefs are hopeful of seeing a huge surge in ticket sales for the Wembley clash with the Scandinavians – but Capello is more keen to discover if England really are on the right track.
Frank Lampard’s header secured victory over the Euro 2012 favourites. But despite the celebratory mood, Capello warned that his players have perform under the pressure of expectation to show that they genuinely have turned the corner.
The Italian said: “When you think the opponents are better than you, like against Spain, then you have to play at the top.
“Your concentration is right at that level, all game, the focus is there.
“But what is difficult is when you play a team who thinks you are better than them.
“Against Sweden this is the next step, the really important one, that we have to take if we want to go forward and improve.”
The England manager is likely to make at least eight changes from the line-up against Spain.
John Terry will be restored as captain, and there will be first starts for Kyle Walker and Bobby Zamora and a debut for Chelsea front-man Daniel Sturridge. Everton’s Jack Rodwell is set to be in the midfield and Bolton’s Gary Cahill in central defence.
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