Capello: Time to impress
20 Aug 2008 - 07:42:36
Fabio Capello will use Wednesday's friendly against Czech Republic to make some final decisions on several members of his England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Capello has already confirmed John Terry's continuation as captain on a permanent basis ahead of his first competitive games against Andorra and Croatia next month.
But Wednesday's final friendly - his fifth match at the helm - will provide the opportunity for the Italian coach to experiment with the likes of the recalled Emile Heskey.
The Wigan Athletic striker is one of several members of the squad hoping to impress Capello and win a permanent place in the new-look international set-up.
"This is the last friendly before the qualifiers and there will not be a lot of experiments, but I have the possibility to (get to) know better some players like Emile Heskey," he said.
"It is the first time I've picked him in the squad. I followed him last season for three or four games and he didn't play well and, for me, he was not fit.
"But I saw his last game and he is fit now and looked in very good form.
"I think he is an interesting player but I must stress the door is not closed for Peter Crouch.
"I have a squad and all the players are important. I will decide the first eleven - but it is the last friendly match before the qualifiers.
"What am I looking for? I want to see England play like a team with spirit and without fear and show big personality.
"This is very important for me. I want to see this. I want to see another step forward."