Arsenal midfielder slams Capello's critics
As has probably been noticeable over the last few months, we don't feel the overwhelming level of criticism that Fabio Capello receives for every minor decision that he makes is justified, a point of view supported by the fact he boasts the best win rate of any England manager in history.
Over the last week everything from his handling of the captaincy situation - where some objections have been understandable - his grasp of English and failure to inform Wayne Rooney that he was on a booking have been slammed, while the fact he has delivered two decent results has gone ignored.
After delivering a 2-0 victory in Wales on Saturday that could have been heavier had the Three Lions not assumed a position in which they could afford to ease off after scoring twice in the first 15 minutes, they impressed in a friendly against World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana on Tuesday.
A late equaliser by Asamoah Gyan denied England the victory, but the general consensus has been that it was an encouraging display against a good team in which several youngsters seized their opportunity to impress and the players showed further signs of adapting to the new formation.
One of the most significant post-South Africa additions to the squad, Jack Wilshere, took the chance after the match to stick up for Capello, validly stating that: "Before the World Cup he couldn't do wrong and since the World Cup everyone has been getting onto his back.
"I think we need to give him a break. He is a great manager. He has proved it at clubs before and he has got a great record for England as well. He is one of the best managers I've ever worked with. People need to get off his back a little bit."
Okay, so the last comment has to be taken with a pinch of salt given that Wilshere hasn't played for that many coaches, however it's difficult to argue with his other points.
Despite all the mud-slinging about Capello's leadership, England are still rated [9.8] fourth favourites to win Euro 2012, ahead of other revitalised nations like France ([11.0]), Italy ([13.5]) and Portugal ([22.0]).
Should Capello receive more support? Can England triumph in Poland and Ukraine? Tell us what you think with a comment in the box below...
Published: 30 Mar 2011
Clement Gentry Appiah (March 30, 2011 9:29 AM) said:
I think wishere is rth,wat is the essence of critising capelo.let the fans gv him a chance 2 prove himself