Capello praises personality

England boss remains upbeat in defeat

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 26th March 2008

Capello Fabio France v England

Capello: Upbeat in defeat

We played against a top-level team and I think we did well.

Fabio Capello
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England manager Fabio Capello praised his side's personality in the 1-0 friendly defeat to France at the Stade de France.

A 32nd minute Franck Ribery penalty condemned Capello to defeat in his second game in charge of England in Paris.

However, the Italian insists he was pleased with the performance of his side and believes there is plenty to build on.

"I'm actually quite happy because I have seen improvements," Capello told Sky Sports 1.

Top-level

"We played against a top-level team and I think we did well."

When asked why he was pleased with his side's performance, Capello added: "The way we played, we didn't let the opposition play too much and especially, the way we played with personality.

"We did especially well in the first half, but unfortunately we conceded the penalty."

Capello made six substitutions in the second half but he insists that they were not prompted by individual performances and that he is still establishing the strengths and weaknesses of his squad ahead of the first World Cup qualifier with Andorra on 6th September.

Beckham future

"I need to see all the players play, especially in real matches like this, to get a clear idea of what to do when the World Cup qualifying campaign starts," Capello continued.

David Beckham featured in England's starting XI as the LA Galaxy midfielder made his 100th international appearance.

And Capello hinted that Beckham has a future in his England plans despite replacing the former Manchester United star with David Bentley in the second half.

"I saw him (Beckham) well, he was fit and could have carried on playing. I subbed him because I needed to see other players as well," Capello concluded.