Capello factor has the desired effect

The Italian coach has generated a new sense of purpose among players whose record of under-achievement plunged fresh depths during Steve McClaren's reign with the failure to qualify for this summer's European Championship.

In such circumstances, with little to play for before next season's World Cup qualifying programme, a new manager's plans would normally be seriously handicapped by withdrawals and 'injuries' in the days before a friendly international.

England face France in just such a friendly here tonight - but Capello has not had one player withdraw from his squad other than for genuine injury.

Consider, too, that within a week, 13 of his 23 man squad will be involved in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Chelsea's Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney, Liverpool's Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard and Arsenal's Theo Walcott all face pressing club commitments in the next few days.

But all are here, desperate to impress the new England manager. The fact that none has succumbed to pressure from their club managers speaks volumes about the new order that Capello is bringing to the England dressing room.

Compare that to the problems facing the France manager Raymond Domenech, who has lost nine first-team players. "I called up 39 but I should have called up 45," he said.

"I could foresee this happening. It's a difficult period because of the crowded fixture calendar."

It's more crowded in England than elsewhere but, on this occasion at least, Capello's players have put international duty above all other considerations.

Sven-Goran Eriksson and McClaren were happy to acknowledge the celebrity status of their top players but Capello has introduced a harder line - and the players are responding. They sense that this is a new beginning and they all want to be part of it.

Capello's rotation of the captaincy - Ferdinand taking over from Gerrard for tonight's match with Terry told to wait his turn - supports the view that all positions are up for grabs and the days of guaranteed first-team places for the big names are over.

Capello arrived with a clean sheet of paper and no Premier League baggage. He has asked his players to provide the evidence that will help him assemble a squad good enough to compete for the game's major prizes.

"At the moment I'm experimenting," said the former Real Madrid manager. "I want to look at the choices I have and try to work out how I can make the team play well." All are under pressure, from the big names like Lampard and Terry to young hopefuls like David Bentley and Joleon Lescott, who could both be given another chance to demonstrate their potential tonight.

Capello saw exactly the size of the task confronting him when Switzerland were narrowly beaten 2-1 at Wembley in his first match in charge. Woeful passing and an inability to retain possession eroded much of England's attacking game.

These are familiar failings that the Italian perfectionist needs to address if England are to sustain a successful World Cup campaign.

The need for a constructive passing player in midfield could persuade Capello to persevere with 32-year-old David Beckham, who is set to win his 100th cap tonight.

The MLS is no place for an England World Cup player in my opinion yet, so great is the shortage of quality players, that Beckham could get his wish to extend his career at international level. "I know him as a player so I know the contribution he will be making," smiled Capello.

The Italian favours a functional, disciplined style of play. It may not be eye-catching but the FA considered it worth £4.8million a year.

Rooney was given the lone-striker role against the Swiss and I suspect the Manchester United striker will be asked to perform in the same way against the French. This time, though, he may have Gerrard working at his shoulder in a supporting role.

These are tense, exciting times for Capello's players and none want to miss an opportunity to stake their claim. "When a new manager comes in, everyone is on trial," said Ferdinand.

A full squad enables Capello to field a full strength team against one of the nations who will be among the favourites to win Euro 2008. Even without Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira they are good enough to repeat the 2-1 win they enjoyed over England in Lisbon in Euro 2004.

"They are very serious opponents," said Capello. "It will be a big test for us."