Source: Team_Talk
Capello preaches belief - Crouch
Peter Crouch revealed Fabio Capello has urged England's players to "still believe in themselves" despite the disappointing draw with the USA.[LNB] The Tottenham striker admits England have to improve on their performance in the 1-1 draw in Rustenburg as they prepare for Friday's clash with Algeria.[LNB]But Capello has told his players it is not all doom and gloom after Robert Green's mistake gifted USA an equaliser.[LNB]Crouch, who appeared as a second-half substitute, said: "The manager knows we can do better.[LNB]"He told us he saw things in the first game that were encouraging and he has taken them and told us we should still believe in ourselves and what we are doing.[LNB]"Those are the things we need to take into the next game.[LNB]"Obviously we can improve and we know that but there were those encouraging signs as well.[LNB]"We were disappointed not to have won the game.[LNB]"When we scored the early goal, we thought we'd go on and do that but it wasn't to be."[LNB]Crouch added: "I think a lot of the first games in groups don't quite live up to expectations. It's often the way.[LNB]"Hopefully we will go on and do a lot better from now on.[LNB]"We all know that and we have to make sure we get it right, starting against Algeria.[LNB]"But we didn't lose the game, like a lot of people seem to be making out and we've got to go forward with confidence."[LNB]Crouch is hoping to have a bigger role in the tournament than he did as a late replacement in the opener, but is adamant Capello announcing the team only two hours before kick-off is not an issue with the players.[LNB]He said: "It was nice for me to play a part. Everybody wants to start games and play in the World Cup but I was pleased to get on the pitch.[LNB]"Hopefully I will have a bigger part to play in the rest of the tournament.[LNB]"I'd just have liked a chance when I did come on.[LNB]"We know from what we've done in the qualifiers and the friendlies that we are a team that creates chances but I just didn't get one. But there's a lot more time left in the tournament."[LNB]Crouch continued: "I don't think when the team is announced is an issue.[LNB]"At Liverpool, Rafael Benitez picked the team just before we got on the coach and we seemed to perform well.[LNB]"We could've guessed pretty much most of the team from training. Some players like to know earlier but others don't mind.[LNB]"Every one of us knows the job we have to do if we come into the team. If Emile Heskey is playing, I know I'll probably come on for him and Jermain Defoe will come on for Rooney."
