England ‘up for the fight’

ENGLAND coach Fabio Capello was in belligerent mood as England went in today’s make-or-break World Cup clash with Slovenia.

“We will be fit to fight - definitely,” declared Capello in the build-up to the showdown in Port Elizabeth.

Capello's pre–tournament assertion that England were capable of reaching the final at least was on the line as the Three Lions attempted to put behind them disappointing draws against the USA and Algeria.

Failure to qualify for the next phase of the World Cup would also place the Italian's £6million–a–year job under severe threat.

But, facing one of the biggest challenges in his illustrious managerial career, Capello was confident England would rise up for the battle.

"We did really well in qualification, but now we are not in a good moment," he admitted.

"At this moment, we are down from the level that I know, that they know, that we all know.”

Capello seemed likely to hand Jermain Defoe his first start of the tournament alongside Wayne Rooney, with James Milner also tipped to be selected on the right–hand side of midfield to insulate England from attacks down the flanks.

John Terry was also expected to keep his place despite his controversial comments on Sunday which Capello branded "a big mistake".

Although Capello brutally crushed Terry's one–man rebellion, he has not really addressed concerns about the austere nature of the England camp in Rustenburg, while Joe Cole was set to continue kicking his heels on the bench despite his former Chelsea team–mate's call for his inclusion.