Soccer Portal

His English is not what one would term 'Shakespearean poetry', and his doughy complexion can be compared to a character out of Wallace and Gromit. But, don't be fooled by Mr Capello's unassuming looks. Not just anyone gets selected to be England manager (bar Steve McClaren). And who knows what exactly goes on behind the scenes at the FA headquarters, but, as manager, one would expect that Capello has the final say on the much debated England side.

Weathering the Spanish Storm

Too much reliance has been put on the old favourites. Under the wrath of media pressure, Capello made a bold stand. Question marks hung over the heads of some of the English players, and their capability to play against the current European and World champions. But there were some traits that could not be contested by the many critics - passion, desire, fighting spirit, to name a few.

Yes, it was only a friendly. But when playing at the highest level, in a close to full capacity Wembley Stadium, against a full strength Spanish side, and when witnessing the Spanish players rushing to take a throw-in or a corner in the closing minutes, you know it's much more than that.

It was obvious that against Spain it would be a hard-fought battle. A disciplined performance, with players who could win their tackles, fight hard to shut out the opponents and pounce on any slight mistake that are so sparse amongst the Spanish players. Capello chose accordingly.

Parker, Jones, Milner and Lampard are all great examples of hard-working players. They represent what the English do best. It was vital to stop the creative influences of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Silva and Xabi Alonso. This was executed effectively. Very rarely were the opponents able to get in behind the English defence.

Capello chose a team that worked to the English strengths. I wouldn't say the victory was the most important thing to take from the game. Instead, the accomplishment of not conceding against the number one team in the world, and doing so fairly comfortably, restricting them to mainly shots from outside the penalty area.

One would be foolish to say 'we were the better team on the night'. They dominated possession, created far more shooting opportunities, and in general played like a home side in front of their own nation. But, Capello got the game plan right, and not to forget with several key players missing.

Breaking the Swedish Curse

There were eight changes to the starting line-up against Sweden. Capello experimenting again with this new wave of youthful talent. This fixture proved to be different to the last. England controlling play and looking threatening going forward, especially down the channels with Walcott and Downing. It was the first victory against Sweden since 1968, a run of 12 international games.

Another player that impressed was Kyle Walker. He stood strong in defence and showed great willingness to get forward. The combination of him and Walcott amounts to a frightening display of speed and direction.

The game fizzled out in the second half (just as most England friendlies do), but a comfortable performance which Mr Capello can take positives from.

Capello's Conundrum

I do believe this experimenting is for the greater good. It serves for the ultimate purpose. Something different must be attempted to achieve the unachievable.

Come Euro 2012, Mr Capello will have some difficult decisions to make, one thing we are not lacking in, are options.

Two separate sets of defences were used in either friendly, both doing good jobs. There was also Phil Jones who looked promising in that holding role, although one would expect him to take up a defensive position, especially due to the abundance of players in midfield.

If in-form and injury-free, one would also expect Gerrard and Wilshere to be pushing for positions in the final squad. Many have complained about the lack of attacking desire we showed against Spain. However, we were missing these players and other influential, attack-minded players like Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney.

Then there are the younger generation of players like Welbeck, Sturridge and Rodwell. All scratching on the back door to Capello's Euro tour bus. The question is, and one which our Italian manager will have to solve before time runs out, which of these players can rise to this momentous challenge and who can inspire our nation to victory?