Having pulled down the circus big top and given his players renewed priorities, Fabio Capello has revived England's fortunes with four straight qualifying wins and is already close to securing a place in the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Like Sir Alf Ramsey, England's only World Cup winning manager, Capello's platform for success is built upon loyalty, hard work and team spirit.

With a team that has hardly changed for three games he has demonstrated his depth of commitment to his players - precisely the same players who failed so spectacularly under Steve McClaren.

These players are now in the process of responding to Capello's faith and judgement, as we saw in last night's impressive 3-1 win in Belarus where England's team ethic overcame accomplished opposition.

There is a growing familiarity about Capello's tactics, training sessions and team line-ups, even extending as far as the cast list on the substitute's bench.

The reinstatement of David Beckham, for instance, epitomises the kind of unity and comradeship that the Italian coach is trying to generate.

Beckham's career looked over under McClaren but now he's just one appearance away from equalling Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player of 108 England caps.

Beckham could match Moore's achievement when England face Germany in a friendly match in Berlin next month though I would hope Capello allows the former England captain to mark the occasion with more than just three minutes on the pitch.

That's how long Beckham played last night when Capello summoned him from the substitute's bench with the match all but over. Beckham's three minutes were an irrelevance but gave the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star his 107th cap. His previous three caps, against Andorra, Croatia and Kazakhstan, were also all awarded for substitute appearances.

While nothing should be allowed to diminish Beckham's outstanding 12-year international career I suspect that Bobby Moore, who started every one of his 108 games in an 11-year England career, would be less than pleased to see his achievement slowly being eclipsed by a player making brief cameo appearances from the substitute's bench.

It's not inconceivable that Beckham, now 33, could still be involved if England negotiate the remaining qualifying games and compete in the World Cup. Surely Peter Shilton's 125-cap record would be an impossible target for Beckham in 2010. Or would it?

He's clearly enjoying a new lease of life under Capello who has restored confidence and belief among his players. Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney, for instance, were both outstanding last night and are laying the foundations to what could be a fruitful partnership.

They gave the team focus while Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry were unsung heroes in midfield, allowing Steve Gerrard the freedom to do what he does so well for Liverpool.

There is much to smile about and, while there is still room for improvement, at least Capello is moving England in the right direction again.