Fabio Capello completes his magnificent seven

Simon Johnson
11 Jun 2009

England 6-0 Andorra

The World Cup kicks off in Johannesburg exactly 12 months from today and England fans can start planning their trip to South Africa thanks to the work of coach Fabio Capello, who now takes a well-deserved break to reflect on a truly magnificent seven results and plot the way ahead.

Sure, the team still need three points to guarantee top spot in Group Six, but they have shown no sign of blowing their relentless march to qualification.

An easy win over whipping boys Andorra was to be expected, but when this campaign started few dared believe it would be this comfortable.

Last night's win, in front of more than 57,000 fans who defied the Tube strike to get to Wembley and cheer on their heroes, officially brought the curtain down on his first full season in charge and his end of term report is impressive. So what has the sophisticated Italian done to bury the memory of those dark days under the wally with the brolly, Steve McClaren?

The secret of his success isn't rocket science. You can see it every time Capello walks into a room. Unlike McClaren, this man has charisma; he oozes self-belief, confidence and style, and instantly commands respect. If you talk to his players you realise that this has rubbed off on them. They now have belief in themselves, the team as a unit and, importantly, have faith and trust in each other when they are on the pitch. But that self-confidence doesn't breed cocky complacency because they hold Capello, and his methods, in the greatest esteem. There is a healthy level of fear; they know if they let their standards slip he will come down on them instantly.

In the past, less impressive form than that inspired by Capello led to overconfidence and bold predictions, now the mantra is of focus and determination.

Capello won't settle for second best, whether it be in a training session or a match, and his priority is always to the team and not in pleasing individuals, no matter how big the ego.

Previous managers have struggled to get Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to consistently play well together in the first team, yet the duo shine regularly now and that is because the former Real Madrid coach had the bravery to change their roles, even though they are not the ones they personally favour.

Lampard is in a deeper central midfield position and Gerrard is often seen on the left, but the shape and general play of the side looks so much better.

However, the extent of his impact is summed up best by the stunning displays of Wayne Rooney and the fact that Capello has truly unlocked his considerable potential.

Rooney has been a fan-favourite since he starred in Euro 2004, but he failed to justify the hype in an England shirt in the four years that followed.

Capello arrived and the player has been transformed. The frown has been replaced by a smile and last night's performance, albeit against a bunch of no-hopers, was testimony to his mood. His brace takes his tally to eight in the current World Cup campaign and 10 for the whole season, matching the record Gary Lineker set in 1991, and there is plenty more to come.

Capello's method has been simple: to make sure Rooney is given the freedom to get in and around the penalty area.

In the latter part of Sven Goran Eriksson's reign and under McClaren, he always seemed to be given a more disciplined and restrained role even if he was still technically playing up front. It feels like Capello has just let the Manchester United forward off the leash.

Against Andorra he was causing havoc inside the penalty area from the outset and could have scored twice before he put England ahead with a header in the fourth minute.

Just before half-time and after Lampard had doubled the lead, the 23-year-old was quickest to react to Glen Johnson's fine cross and sent the ball sweetly into the corner.

The crowd may have been sad to see Rooney taken off at half-time, but for Capello it was very much job done and he knows the striker will be needed for much bigger days ahead.

There are other players who have also noticeably benefited from having the 62-year-old in charge. David Beckham's international career had looked over, however he can be quite optimistic of playing in a fourth World Cup.

The way he strolled round Wembley delivering 40 yard passes successfully time and time again demonstrated to all the cynics that his technique merits the 112 caps to his name.

Of course most players can look good facing the second worst team in Europe, although Peter Crouch's display suggested otherwise despite his late goal, which came after substitute Jermain Defoe had netted a quick double.

There is a great potential on England's right flank now that Johnson appears to have earned the trust of Capello, although there is a question mark over his defending at times.

That wasn't required last night, but his attacking quality was impressive and he set up three of the first four goals, while the man in front of him, Theo Walcott, provided the cross for Lampard's strike.

Probably the only England player left disappointed was keeper Robert Green, for in David James' absence over the past two games he didn't really get a chance to show what he can do.

Still, there are many battles to be fought for a place in Capello's World Cup team and the Italian himself will face many challenges ahead, but he has put the country on course to be in South Africa - and done it in some style.