England have a new mental toughness under Capello. Wonder if we can get him to The Oval next week?

By Steve Stammers

Published 12:38 12/08/09

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If only Fabio Capello liked cricket. England would then be odds-on to bring the Ashes back to England.

Ask any England player or coach what the Italian has brought to the national football team and it is a mental toughness where there was once frailty. “Away games,” says Capello. “That is where you have to show you are strong.”

And under his tutelage, England have demonstrated that quality in abundance. Okay, so Croatia have never been superstars but, on their own patch in Zagreb, they have proved formidable over the years. Many top sides, meanwhile, would be happy to leave Belarus with three points.

England have played in both places in their unblemished World Cup qualifying place and won.

Capello’s only setbacks have been in friendlies – aka money-spinners for the FA – against France and Spain. England have won the games that matter. Banana skins? No – more like shelling peas these days.

Irrespective of what happens in the match in Amsterdam this week – a game which is as inconvenient as it is irrelevant – England are on course for the World Cup finals.

Capello will make the right noises about learning curves, seeing new faces and doubtless the age-old cliché of “England don’t play friendlies “ is bound to be trotted out at some stage.

Oh yes they do. Just ask Capello. He wants that tough, mental resolve in the Ukraine rather than in a marquee, meaningless clash with the Dutch.

England are now difficult opponents. They have a winning mentality. They do not crumble or fumble when the atmosphere is hostile and that is all credit to Capello.

And what we would give for the same grit at The Oval next week in a match England must win if they are to beat the Australians and reclaim the Ashes.

What we would give for sessions with Capello for the likes of Ravi Bopara, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood. They finished the Headingley debacle with their respective bats almost un-used.

There is talk now of a recall for Mark Ramprakash – the equivalent in football of making Danny Mills and Kenny Sansom the England full-backs in Amsterdam.

What the England cricket team has lost in the comfort and security of their cosy world of central contracts is what the England football team have re-discovered under Capello… discipline, determination and drive.

But better not mention driving where the cricket team is concerned. As Michael Holding observed, they would be better off renting a car if they want to do that.

I fear a green and gold celebration at The Oval. Afterwards, stay clear of Earls Court.