Capello rings changes as England face Sweden

14 November 2011 21:46

Fabio Capello plans to run the rule over more of his young squad as England attempt to build on their morale-boosting win over Spain when they face Sweden at Wembley here Tuesday.

Capello believes England have unearthed the basis of a new team following Saturday's 1-0 friendly victory over the Spaniards, which saw several youngsters make useful contributions.

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell (20), Tottenham right back Kyle Walker (21), and the Manchester United pair of Phil Jones (19) and Danny Welbeck (20) all won fulsome praise from Capello after the win.

Now the Italian plans to blood more of his younger squad members against the Swedes, with Chelsea's promising striker Daniel Sturridge poised to make his England debut.

Capello, who plans to recall captain John Terry for the match, will also hand a first start to Spurs defender Walker, a late substitute against the Spanish.

Reflecting on Saturday's defeat of Spain, in which England conceded territory and possession to their technically superior opponents before winning with a set-piece goal, Capello admitted he had been surprised by the contributions of less experienced members of the squad.

Rodwell, 20, was singled out for plaudits by Capello after replacing Jones early in the second half.

"Rodwell played with confidence, with no problems. I know him, but I never realised he was so ready to play at this level," Capello said.

"I'm really happy with this because I really needed to experiment, to see some more players. I think we found good players, young players. This is the most important thing."

Capello agreed with the suggestion that Saturday's win over Spain may eventually come to be seen as the moment when one generation entered the stage and another one exited.

"I think this is important," Capello said. "I remember in my career as a manager, I put in a lot of times, young players.

"You can see if one player plays with confidence, without fear. If they play the same style with the seniors that they play in the academy. This is important. I think, with my experience, they are ready."

While Capello made no apologies for setting his team up defensively against Spain -- playing another way would have been "impossible" the manager said -- England will be expected to be more aggressive against Sweden, who have not lost against the hosts since 1965.

The Swedes booked their places at Euro 2012 after grabbing the automatic qualifying spot for the team which finished as best runners-up.

"They are really good and play in a very organised way," Capello said. "Everybody knows what they need to do in every moment of the game.

"It is a little country with a small population but it's always difficult to beat Sweden."

The match will also see Capello come face to face with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the powerful Swedish striker whom the Italian signed from Ajax for £15 million in 2004 when he was manager of Juventus.

Ibrahimovic played a starring role in Sweden's successful qualification, scoring five times to take his tally to 28 in 67 appearances.

"Ibrahimovic is a really good player who can decide a top-level game in a single moment," said Capello.

"I bought him as Juventus manager and for this reason, I know how important he is for Sweden and what a real danger he is for every opponent."

Source: AFP