Is it the beginning of the end for Capello as Euro 2012 Qualifiers begin?
Capello under increasing pressure
England begin their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign at Wembley on Friday night against Bulgaria and whilst the game signals a possible ‘clean slate’ for Fabio Capello and his England flops, it could also spell the beginning of the end for the Italian, who many would argue is lucky to be even getting this chance after the embarrassing showing from the Three Lions at the World Cup.
Fans and media alike have been sharpening the knives ever since Capello returned from South Africa after overseeing what can only be described as four abysmal performances on the pitch which saw England crash out 4-1 to Germany in the last 16 coupled with the pantomime like events off the pitch from rumours of Capello’s strict man management techniques, to divides in the squad and revelations concerning certain players private lives. It is safe to assume had it not been for Capello putting pen to paper on £5 million two year contract extension before the World Cup that he would not be in charge for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, however, the FA have stuck with their man, which, of course, has nothing to do with avoiding the £10 million pay off which would be due to Fabio!
Following the World Cup debacle, Capello promised the England fans wholesale changes in an attempt to renew optimism but the squad announced to face Bulgaria showed little evidence of radical change and eight of the eleven who lined up against Germany are likely to feature at Wembley on Friday night!
Capello has responded to his critics by stating that the increasing pressure he now finds himself under will inspire him to do better and as England fans ourselves, The Sack Race desperately hopes that is the case, however, it is hard to be confident about this ‘new era’ and it will be a long process for the management and players to rebuild the confidence of the England faithful. Anything less than a convincing win against Bulgaria will only add to the frustrations and with a trip Switzerland on Tuesday, things aren’t going to get any easier.
A good start to qualification is essential for the Three Lions and if they don’t have nine points come the final whistle of the game against Montenegro at Wembley on October 12th, it is hard not to envisage anything other than a new face in the dugout at the Millennium Stadium for what will be the team’s next qualifier on Saturday 26th March next year.
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