Capello delighted as England take confident step forward

November 20, 2008

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England coach Fabio Capello said the 2-1 friendly win over Germany here on Wednesday was not only an important step in terms of result, but a massive leap forward for confidence.

While the result may have little relevance other than pride, Capello said his side would take a huge boost from beating the Euro 2008 runners-up at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

A first-half goal by West Ham defender Matthew Upson was cancelled out when Germany striker Patrick Helmes pounced on a mix-up in the England defence, before England captain John Terry headed the winner six minutes from time.

“I said when I started the job it is important that we got our confidence back and I think we are on the right path,” said the Italian who suceeded Steve McClaren as England coach in January.

“The players knew what I wanted them to do and they did exactly that, they played with a lot of confidence.

“Tonight I saw the team another step forward, because the players played very, very well. It was a great performance.”

Germany were gifted a second-half equaliser when defender Terry and replacement England goalkeeper Scott Carson both failed to gather a long ball, and allowed substitute Helmes to pounce and fire the loose ball into the empty net.

“It was a long ball, Terry tried to stop the ball, there was some confusion, 'you take it, I take it,' but it was the German forward who took it,” said Capello.

With a host of first-team stars missing, Capello took a risk in opting for a youthful side.

His brave move was rewarded with an impressive performance from a number of his fringe players as the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jermain Defoe caused problems for a German defence short on mobility.

But the Italian refused to single out any players in particular.

“I don't want to talk about just one player, because the team played very well,” he said.

England's win came despite injuries to a host of stars including Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

But Capello believes the win said more about the spirit of his side rather than absences on the team-sheet.

“There is no message to the players who were missing,” said Capello. “I am just happy with both the victory and the performance.”

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