Mixed signals as Capello plots England revival
What a difference nine weeks makes.
The last time Fabio Capello made a squad announcement (or rather we in the media did on his behalf via ), it was on the eve of the World Cup and belief in the Italian was absolute.
Despite awkward, pre-tournament contract negotiations after a flirtation with Inter Milan, an embarrassing climbdown over that bore his name and uninspiring warm-up performances against Mexico and Japan, Capello was untouchable.
Bolstered by the most convincing England qualification campaign in living memory, he was widely considered to know best. Finally, England looked like genuine contenders.