FABIO Capello insisted he would be sticking to his policy and name his England starting line-up two hours before kickoff against Algeria tomorrow.
FABIO Capello insisted he would be sticking to his policy and name his England starting line-up two hours before kickoff against Algeria tomorrow.
Capello got the backing of striker Wayne Rooney, who said yesterday it was normal practice in the English Premiership for a starting team to be announced two hours before the match.
"I've spoken to the guys about it and it's the same in the Premiership," Rooney said.
"It has no negative effect on the team. Players are told two hours (before) who will be starting."
But many of the players don't seem to like Capello's method, which he claims has worked for him for most of his coaching career.
While the "two-hour policy" will be keeping the rest of the players on their toes, Gareth Barry has no worries, as Capello looks to have already pencilled in his name on the team sheet.
Rooney's place in the starting line-up against Algeria is also virtually guaranteed, but he admitted he needed to improve his form.
"For us to do better I'll need to score goals, that I know," said Rooney. "But If we get a result against Algeria then I'll be happy. I'm happy to be playing. I would like to score but if I'm not scoring then I'll be working even harder to improve on that.
"We deserved to win against USA, it's always important to start with a win. But that's all in the past now and I'm looking forward to Algeria. I think we will get the three points and qualify for the second round."
On Franz Beckenbauer's comments that England have regressed under Capello's reign, Rooney said the German football legend was entitled to his opinion.
"But we are certainly not a kick-and-rush team," Rooney said.
Capello looks set to return to an attacking style of play that got him results during the World Cup qualifiers.
The fit-again Barry is likely to partner Frank Lampard in the midfield, allowing Steven Gerrard to tuck in behind Rooney and strike partner Emile Heskey in attack.
Goalkeeper Robert Green, who blundered against USA last Saturday, will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to find out whether he will make the team.
capello keeps team guessing
FABIO Capello insisted he would be sticking to his policy and name his England starting line-up two hours before kickoff against Algeria tomorrow.
FABIO Capello insisted he would be sticking to his policy and name his England starting line-up two hours before kickoff against Algeria tomorrow.
Capello got the backing of striker Wayne Rooney, who said yesterday it was normal practice in the English Premiership for a starting team to be announced two hours before the match.
"I've spoken to the guys about it and it's the same in the Premiership," Rooney said.
"It has no negative effect on the team. Players are told two hours (before) who will be starting."
But many of the players don't seem to like Capello's method, which he claims has worked for him for most of his coaching career.
While the "two-hour policy" will be keeping the rest of the players on their toes, Gareth Barry has no worries, as Capello looks to have already pencilled in his name on the team sheet.
Rooney's place in the starting line-up against Algeria is also virtually guaranteed, but he admitted he needed to improve his form.
"For us to do better I'll need to score goals, that I know," said Rooney. "But If we get a result against Algeria then I'll be happy. I'm happy to be playing. I would like to score but if I'm not scoring then I'll be working even harder to improve on that.
"We deserved to win against USA, it's always important to start with a win. But that's all in the past now and I'm looking forward to Algeria. I think we will get the three points and qualify for the second round."
On Franz Beckenbauer's comments that England have regressed under Capello's reign, Rooney said the German football legend was entitled to his opinion.
"But we are certainly not a kick-and-rush team," Rooney said.
Capello looks set to return to an attacking style of play that got him results during the World Cup qualifiers.
The fit-again Barry is likely to partner Frank Lampard in the midfield, allowing Steven Gerrard to tuck in behind Rooney and strike partner Emile Heskey in attack.
Goalkeeper Robert Green, who blundered against USA last Saturday, will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to find out whether he will make the team.
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