Forget Rio Ferdinand and forget the captaincy... let's just beat Wales, says Fabio Capello

26 March 2011 01:38
Fabio Capello has admitted making a mistake in the way he removed Rio Ferdinand as England captain.[LNB]But as England prepare to face Wales in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier, he insisted: 'The most important thing is not to speak about the captain. The most important thing is the result. We are not here to lose. It would not be a good position in the table if we do this.' [LNB]Martin Samuel: Capello is still the best manager for England despite captaincy furore[LNB] Pride of Lions: England captain Terry strides out at the Millennium Stadium on Friday night[LNB]But, asked if he should have spoken to Ferdinand instead of taking a chance on bumping into him in the Old Trafford directors' box during Manchester United's game against Marseille, he admitted. 'Maybe I made a mistake. It's possible to do everything better sometimes.[LNB] 'I don't like to speak about the captaincy on the phone. I prefer to speak personally. I tried to meet him during the Marseille game and it didn't happen. [LNB]'I was in the directors' box. Rio didn't come. Ask him. Communication with Rio could have been better. I respect the players and sometimes I regret what happened. I hope to see him in the future.'[LNB]Capello may risk alienating Ferdinand further with his intransigence but the England boss was in combative mood as he defended his right to do the job. [LNB] Jack's the lad: Wilshere (left) will line up opposite his Arsenal team-mate and Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey [LNB]'If my mind is not OK to drive this team, I go home,' said the Italian, who will step down at the end of Euro 2012. [LNB]Capello denied Gary Lineker's claim that he had lost interest in the job, saying: 'Gary Lineker sometimes speaks a lot and writes a lot. He doesn't know me very well. I am here. I like my job. I want to stay here. I hope to stay here for a long time.' [LNB]Capello accepted that his preparations for this game - England's 100th against Wales - had changed since Gareth Bale's injury. [LNB]Jack Wilshere will start in midfield, which may have a more attacking feel now there is no threat from the Tottenham midfielder. Darren Bent is preferred up front in tandem with Wayne Rooney. Andy Carroll looks set to be on the bench, and is expected to fulfil the role of Plan B, in case things go awry. [LNB] All smiles: Capello has denied reports he's lot interest in the England job [LNB]After the fuss over the captaincy, John Terry will lead out the team for the first time since October 2009. He has lost only two competitive games as England captain and claimed being stripped of the honour last year and regaining it had strengthened his relationship with Capello.[LNB] 'People thought there was this big falling out but it wasn't the case and it probably brought it closer,' he said.[LNB] 'It says a lot about what he thinks is best for the side. On a personal note, it's touching as well. I'm delighted to be reinstated.[LNB] 'I'd like to think I do bring a lot to the dressing room and on the training field. Everyone has to show the passion, and that's one of my strengths. [LNB]'We come with an attitude where we can't lose the game. It's as simple as that, with where we are in the group. First and foremost, we have to be ready for the battle. 'The main thing for me is to get the three points, to walk off with three points and be top of the group.'[LNB]  Martin Keown: Speedy Bellamy is a danger to Terry, and the pair have history Don't blow it Capello! England boss in corner after Ferdinand rowWales v England: Sportsmail's six favourite Anglo-Welsh encounters Big match dossier: Rooney hits 70 with plenty to prove after disappointing seasonDo we want Fabio to grovel or lead? Capello is best man to lead England despite furore Explore more:People: Darren Bent, John Terry, Fabio Capello, Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Lineker, Gareth Bale, Martin Samuel Places: United Kingdom, Wales

Source: Daily_Mail