Fabio Capello continues to provoke criticism but TEAMtalk’s Ian Watson argues that the England boss deserves credit for his recent work.<\/p>\n
Had England been beaten in Cardiff last Saturday, then Fabio Capello may well have been using this week to plan how to spend a whopping pay-off from the FA.<\/p>\n
Instead, the Italian proved at the Millennium Stadium exactly why he is paid the big money by masterminding a comfortable victory, and regardless of the result of the Tuesday night’s Ghana friendly, the manager can reflect upon a job very well done since he summoned his squad nine days ago.<\/p>\n
Credit for Capello, though, is in extremely short supply. Most observers are not ready to dish out a pat on the back – either too offended by the manager’s supposed disregard for Rio Ferdinand’s fragile feelings, or angry at his refusal to send his most-overworked troops into yet another battle.<\/p>\n
But what more could Capello have done?<\/p>\n
His choice of shape and personnel in Wales gave England the platform to enjoy a Cardiff cruise. The decision to flank Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young either side of the midfield trio of Scott Parker, Jack Wilshere and Frank Lampard offered fluidity and flexibility in attack and a high, impermeable defensive line – something the hosts clearly did not plan for and never got to grips with.<\/p>\n
The selections of Parker, Young and Bent came as surprises from the supposedly rigid Capello, who has now used four different formations in the last four matches.<\/p>\n
Plenty to chew on there. Not enough for some, however, who instead chose to dissect the win and Capello’s crucial decisions using just three words: Wales were crap.<\/p>\n
Capello continued his positive work immediately after the game by releasing the five starters who, either side of the international break, have Champions League as well as Premier League commitments to consider.<\/p>\n
Much of the art of modern management comes in dealing with players’ workloads, and with the fixtures coming thicker and faster for the released quintet, the sensible move is to give them the extra rest.<\/p>\n
Of course, plenty chose not to see it that way, instead seeing only another stick with which to beat Capello, who stands accused of devaluing the friendly with Ghana.<\/p>\n
Some of the anti-Capello pundits, press and even politicians have pandered to the hard-up and hard-done-by supporters, many of whom have been swift to register their disgust at having paid for a match ticket to see the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney.<\/p>\n
Whether those complainants are the same ‘supporters’ who booed the star quartet on England duty previously remains unclear, as is whether or not the same fans were among those who begged to see fresh faces after the World Cup.<\/p>\n
But a simple glance at the schedule combined with a healthy dose of common sense would have led anyone to conclude months ago that Ghana were never going to be facing Capello’s strongest possible XI.<\/p>\n
That side will be led out by Gareth Barry wearing the captain’s armband – the accessory that has overshadowed almost everything else in the media over the last fortnight.<\/p>\n
Capello has been hammered for his handling of the switch of skipper, with the manner of Ferdinand’s demotion the main sticking point, and it is wrong to suggest that anyone comes out of the affair with any credit.<\/p>\n
What Capello should not be criticised for, though, is going back on a decision made over a year ago. Many have seized upon this as a sign of weakness, but I would argue the opposite. The easy move would have been to make no move at all and as circustances change, Capello has had to change with them.<\/p>\n
Few would have kicked up a fuss over the continuation of the constantly-crocked Ferdinand’s captaincy, but the circus around the armband with the skipper always absent was a needless and unwanted distraction from the main focus of winning football matches. The reappointment of Terry after a year’s punishment is clear signal of intent for the rest of the qualifying campaign and an example of Capello’s no-nonsense, single-minded approach, which it should not be forgotten, was one of the main reasons he was appointed in the first place.<\/p>\n
By Wednesday morning, Capello can look back upon a successful 10 days, having initially extended his record in qualifying to 12 wins, one draw and an inconsequential defeat in 14 qualifying games before returning from Wales to Wembley to gain a valuable insight into exactly how much strength in depth he has at his disposal.<\/p>\n
That, however, won’t be enough to placate the manager’s critics, who refuse to change their views on the Italian post-World Cup – a stubbornness similar to that they incorrectly criticise Capello for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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