Capello calls for England pride
26 Mar 2008 - 16:14:22
England manager Fabio Capello wants his players to be proud to represent their country again as he prepares for his second game in charge of the national team, Wednesday's friendly against France.
Capello has already confirmed that David Beckham will win his 100th cap in the game and handed Rio Ferdinand the captain's armband for the clash in the Stade de France.
The Italian said: "We're all on trial, not just the players. We need to get back to being a great team that plays openly against any opponent. It's about the pride of wearing the shirt.
"The David Beckham I know can certainly get to 2010 if he carries on training and working hard. I know what he can give me and I think he can make the difference in some respects.
"As for the future, we will have to see. Nobody knows what the future holds.
"But I've managed him previously and he's always been a very good professional. Only people who are so professional can last and be at the top for so long.
"All the players are important players but it depends on the type of game it is who's best. At the moment I'm experimenting and I'm trying to see how I can make the team play and what choices I can make.
"It's certainly going to be our hardest match because France are a good team and we're playing at the Stade de France, where there will be a good atmosphere. It will be a very good test."