James: Impressed by Capello

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David James believes Fabio Capello's 'stubborn' nature has proved vital in England's 100 per cent start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Goalkeeper James was part of the England squad which infamously failed to book a place in the finals of Euro 2008.

But England have won all three of their opening games in Group 6 in the race to reach South Africa in two years' time.

And ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Belarus, James feels that manager Capello - who replaced Steve McClaren after England missed out on Euro 2008 - has made the difference.

James said: "We have had situations before where managerial decisions have cost us.

Point of view

"Mr Capello is stubborn enough, in the nicest way, to put his point of view across to everyone in the side - and then you basically do what he wants to do.

"He doesn't mind saying what he feels, and it is difficult to argue with him."

Capello replaced Gareth Barry with Shaun Wright-Phillips at the interval following a goalless first half in Saturday's 5-1 win over Kazakhstan, and James has revealed the belief the England squad have in their boss.

"We have the confidence that what he is saying is right - and, again at half-time, it is not a case of throwing tea cups about," added James.

"If you look at the current squad, the nucleus of it has been the same for the past three England managers. If you look at the situation, managerial decisions are effectively the difference.

Nervous

"It now seems a good bunch of players. The same players are playing a different game and performing."

James also feels that Capello not naming his starting line-up until a couple of hours before kick-off has had a positive effect on the squad.

"It is enjoyable. It is a nervous excitement you get. It is like 'Deal Or No Deal'," James added.

"You are waiting for the box to open to see if you are playing or not."