Capello still the man for England
Date published: 28 June 2010
Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
WORLD CUP DREAM IS OVER: A dejected Wayne Rooney pictured at the final whistle after England’s defeat by Germany. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
INJURED captain Rio Ferdinand has backed Fabio Capello to continue as England manager.
The Manchester United star defended the man who made him England captain, albeit only after John Terry’s personal indiscretions, and reckons the Italian will bounce back from the current calls for his head after the 4-1 defeat by Germany in the last 16 of the World Cup.
“I believe he’s the man to take us to being a successful team. His track record is nothing to be sniffed at,” said Ferdinand.
“We’ve got the utmost respect for this manager. I’ve enjoyed every moment being around this manager.
“From the way he coaches to his professionalism, his experience — you can only learn from people like that.”
Ferdinand has pinpointed Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal as the key moment in yesterday’s thrashing by Germany.
Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition with a knee injury, watched the old enemy run rampant in the last–16 clash in Bloemfontein.
Joachim Low’s side were 2–1 up when Lampard’s shot hit the crossbar and landed a good yard over the line, only for the goal not to be given by the Uruguayan officials.
In the second half a dominant Germany showing rendered that decision academic but Ferdinand believes it may have been a different story had the sides gone in 2–2 at the break.
Ferdinand said: “If Lamps’ goal had stood it would have been 2–2 and then the game would have turned on its head. We’d have been at full throttle. I’m sure we’d have gone on to win it.
“I was sitting here with my mates and we were all screaming at the TV along with everyone else in the pubs going bananas. I’m a professional footballer but I’m also a fan so I know what it’s like.
“Your emotions get a grip of you and you think ‘How’s he not seen it?’
Michael Owen has blamed tactical naivety for England's early departure from South Africa.
Owen, who has not enjoyed favour with Capello since his appointment, thinks the rigid 4–4–2 employed against Germany was not fit for purpose.
The Manchester United striker said: "There is no–one in the world who can convince me that the German players are better than ours, but after seeing our team line–up I knew we were going to lose.
"I don't think it is down to our players so much; I just feel their formation has basically beaten ours.
"We were outplayed due to being tactically beaten.”
