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Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello

Capello happy with Rooney form

3 Sep 2010


England manager Fabio Capello is encouraged by Wayne Rooney's return to goalscoring form ahead of Friday's opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria.

The Manchester United forward ended a five-month wait for a goal when he converted a penalty against West Ham last weekend, and the Italian was glad to see his talisman on the scoresheet.

"I monitored him during the last game that he played against West Ham," said Capello. "He's good, he's back and I'm happy because he scored a goal. Rooney runs a lot around the pitch, he's free to move where he decides to go. Rooney will play on Friday in style."

Capello is closing on finalising his starting XI, with Everton defender Phil Jagielka set to start despite suffering with an ankle injury in recent days.

"The keeper, (Joe) Hart, Rooney, Steve (Gerrard), (Gareth) Barry, (Ashley) Cole, (Glen) Johnson, Jagielka, more or less. I know 10 or 11, with a little doubt about one," Capello confirmed.

"The training was really good, the players are okay and some problems we had in the last two days are getting better.

"(Jagielka) is fit, he trained well, there is a little bit of pain but I think for Friday he will be 100%.

"I'm not concerned but I know that the central defenders will play for the first time together on Friday. I hope they will be really focusing every moment of the game and I hope Cole and Johnson will help these two players, and also the midfield."

Capello dismissed concerns the pressure of a disappointing World Cup had got to him, and backed his players to regain the form which saw them qualify for the tournament with nine wins from 10 games.

"It's part of a manager's job," Capello said. "When you win, you're the best. When you lose, you're the worst."

 

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