Brooking eyes England success

Capello backed to lead team to World Cup

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th July 2008

Fabio Capello and Trevor Brooking

Brooking: Backing Capello

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Trevor Brooking is confident that Fabio Capello will lead England to the World Cup in 2010.

England failed to reach Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren and the new manager has had over six months already to settle into the role.

He has watched players in action for their clubs and overseen four friendly internationals, and Brooking hopes the experience will stand England in good stead for the qualifiers which begin this autumn.

"It's been useful that he's had a six-month period that not a lot of managers get," Brooking, the FA's director of football development, told Sky Sports News.

"He's enjoyed that opportunity to get to know the players.

"There is an expectancy level and now it is up to him and the players to get us off to a good start."

Capable

Despite not making it to Euro 2008, Brooking believes England still have the potential to win a major tournament.

He feels the biggest area of concern is whether England have enough of a cutting edge up front.

He explained: "England have always got the capability, if we get everyone fit and get to a major tournament, of being one of a half dozen countries that might have a chance.

"I think scoring goals is still the big challenge. Have we got the depth in attacking areas?

"But more than anything we have to get to the finals and then from that comes the expectancy and the confidence to do well."