Capello backs young stars for Euros

Nov 13 2011

Fabio Capello described his England young guns as fearless and backed them to play a vital part at Euro 2012 next summer after they beat world champions Spain 1-0 at Wembley.

The England manager praised the performance of Manchester United's 19-year-old Phil Jones, who started in midfield, and saluted 20-year-old Danny Welbeck as well as Everton's Jack Rodwell, 20, and Tottenham's Kyle Walker, 21, who all came on in the second half.

Capello said: "The most important thing I saw was the performance of Rodwell and Jones and Welbeck, really good young players and also Walker."

He added: "I think these players will be very important for the Euros because I saw they played without fear and with personality and physically and technically I can see they are good to play with the seniors."

Capello had received much criticism when he revealed he would experiment against the World Cup holders but England kept their defensive shape and despite being starved of possession for long periods they frustrated the Spanish.

Frank Lampard, wearing the captain's armband with John Terry on the bench, scored the only goal, heading home from a yard after James Milner's second-half free-kick had been headed against the post by Darren Bent.

And while Capello insisted Terry and Bolton's Gary Cahill would play against Sweden the England boss praised the performance of Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka at the heart of England's defence.

Capello said: "The two centre-backs played a fantastic game, really good. Every time Spain tried passes through they were in good positions. They played with big confidence. It is impossible to play against Spain without confidence.

"John Terry and Cahill will play against Sweden. Walker will play right-back and (Daniel) Sturridge and (Bobby) Zamora [will also play].

"I needed to know the value of the players when they play here at Wembley. This is big test for good players to play here."