GROUP SIX ANDORRA v ENGLAND:FABIO CAPELLO begins his true work with England tonight in an idiosyncratic and potentially exasperating World Cup qualifier.
As the manager realises, the mission of sides such as Andorra is to embarrass the larger countries.
In the Pyrenean principality's last competitive match at the Estadi Olimpic, Russia only got the three points they needed to overtake England for a place at Euro 2008 with a 1-0 win in which Andrei Arshavin was sent off.
Capello's team may come across irritations spared them in the programme of banal friendlies. Several of the party were here in March 2007 and will recall the rain and boos of their fans pouring down on them until Steven Gerrard broke the deadlock in the 54th minute.
There is nothing timorous about Andorra, who suffered six bookings while losing 3-0 in Kazakhstan at the start of Group Six. England will have to be assertive if this opening to the World Cup campaign is not to grow exasperating.
With Wednesday's match against Croatia to come, Capello will not wish his side to become depleted physically or psychologically.
"It will be very important to score one goal early," he said, just like so many managers before him.
At least Capello has available all the forwards he chose for this game, since the sole absentee is Rio Ferdinand. His sore back will not prevent him from playing.
Matthew Upson seems the most obvious replacement tonight, so the main quandary for the manager lies in determining who will break down the opposition.
Capello's side were fortunate to draw 2-2 with the Czech Republic last month. The Italian was then criticised by Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp for his tactics.
This fixture will try his judgment. He noted how Andorra, 3-0 down in Kazakhstan, continued to keep most of the side in their half. There has been some thought of using Theo Walcott, but it is debatable if there would be enough space for him to show his pace.
In view of Andorra's propensity for fouling it might be wise to focus on free-kicks. David Beckham would be to the fore unless, in the interests of preserving him for Zagreb, David Bentley is selected instead.
Wayne Rooney is expected to be prompting Jermain Defoe in attack tonight. The Manchester United player has not scored for England since the defeat in Moscow last October.
Capello's side will continue to be at risk of frustration until Rooney regains some of the old gusto.
Should the team wear down Andorra he might enjoy himself here.
Guardian Service
