Capello warning to starlets

England coach tells youngsters they need to play

Last updated: 7th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Capello warning to starlets

Capello: Warning

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Fabio Capello has warned England's young prospects that they need to be playing regularly.

Capello was speaking in the wake of Adam Johnson's move to Manchester City in the winter transfer window.

The England coach admits he is a big fan of the former Middlesbrough star but that he needs to see action in the first team.

Capello gave the example of Joe Hart's resurgence at Birmingham City, following a stint on the sidelines at Manchester City.

He also warned Arsenal's Jack Wilshire, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott that they too need to play.

"I watch a lot of Under 21 games because in the Premier League and the Championship I have seen a lot of good young players who are interesting for me," said Capello.

"Players like Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson have been improving. I like Johnson because he has a lot of quality.

"You have seen what has happened to Joe Hart at Birmingham. He has improved a lot because he plays.

"He makes fewer mistakes because he has more confidence and that has come from playing regularly. The same has happened with Johnson. Before there was Stewart Downing at Middlesbrough and Johnson's chances were limited. Downing left for Aston Villa and Johnson had his chance.

"It was important for Johnson to play and being in the Championship has been good for his development because he was playing all the time," explained Capello.

"He can play better now because he was the best player in the Championship. Sometimes it is good for young players to play in the Championship all the time rather than in the Premier League only now and then.

"I hope Johnson will be able to continue his development at Manchester City by playing.

"That's why I am pleased Wilshere has gone out on loan at Bolton because for a young player like him it will help him mature and develop.

"But Gibbs and Theo Walcott are not playing regularly for Arsenal.

"My experience teaches me that young players can improve a lot in two years. There are players who can step up in the next two years and come into the senior team for the Euros in 2012.

"We have talent and that makes the difference because without quality it is impossible to go forward and improve."

Milner praise

Capello also had special praise for James Milner, who now looks firmly on course to secure a place in England's World Cup squad.

"Milner is a fantastic player. He has improved more than any player in the squad," said Capello.

"He is intelligent on the pitch, can make good passes, assists for goals and score himself. He is very like Frank Lampard, younger but with great energy."

The England coach did insist that he had no worries over his goalkeeping situation.

"I am not concerned yet with the goalkeeping situation," he said.

"David James has some shoulder problems but I have Robert Green, Hart and Paul Robinson.

"Hart is having a fantastic season but it is too early to choose."

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