After years of underachievement, it looks like things could be looking up for England - and it's all thanks to a bespectacled Italian.
Fabio Capello has won just about every competition he has entered as a football manager. At AC Milan, he led one of the greatest club sides in the modern era to a memorable European Cup - and at Real Madrid, he turned Los Galacticos from a group of individuals into a team. It looks like he's beginning to do something similar with England.
Finally, a man with a plan
By Simon Head
Updated Thursday, 16th October 2008
The Three Lions are not short on talent, but recent campaigns have seen England's "Golden Generation" fail to deliver. But under Capello, we're finally beginning to see England's players reproducing their club form on the international stage.
So far, England have clocked up four wins in their opening four World Cup qualifiers. And perhaps surprisingly for a team managed by an Italian, they've racked up the goals too. Capello's Real Madrid side scored freely, and it seems that his England side are doing the same. Fourteen goals in four games is testament to that.
Just as importantly, Capello appears to have that crucial attribute all great managers have - the ability to spot problems and make key changes to improve the side. Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren were both criticised for only having one way of playing. At international level, it's vital that we have a Plan B. But I get the impression that Capello not only has a Plan B, but Plans C, D and E as well. Against Belarus, England started poorly. Capello wasn't impressed, made changes and the team ran out comfortable winners.
He's getting the best out of the players, he has the ability to make positive changes when they're needed and he has a track record and presence that demands respect from players, fans and media alike.
It's early doors yet, but under Capello's stewardship, it looks like England might be heading in the right direction. Long may it continue.
