England News

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Capello: Slovenia the focus

05 Sep 2009 - 09:05:19

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England head coach Fabio Capello has banned talk of Croatia ahead of next week's vital World Cup qualifier against their main Group Six rivals.

The Italian claims that his England players are 100 per cent focused on Saturday's friendly meeting with Slovenia despite the spectre of Croatia looming large on the horizon.

Capello has pledged to pick his strongest side against Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday evening despite next week's showdown being of far more importance.

England will qualify for next summer's World Cup should they overcome Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.

"I am not thinking about Croatia," he said. "We have not spoken about them. Yesterday we had a meeting and spoke about the Holland friendly (last month) and the mistakes we made.

"This evening (Friday) will we talk about Slovenia. Croatia is another game - I am only thinking about Slovenia."

Meanwhile, Capello has admitted that his main selection dilemma concerns who should partner Wayne Rooney up front.

England's only injury concern surrounding captain John Terry was resolved on Friday when the defender took a full part in training.

"I have some really good forward players who have always done well with the national team," admitted Capello.

"Wayne Rooney will play but I also have (Peter) Crouch, (Carlton) Cole, Defoe and (Emile) Heskey.

"They can all play with Rooney, which is very important."