SOCCER NEWS:THE ENGLISH Football Association believe they have successfully deflected Internazionale's attempt to lure Fabio Capello back to Serie A after holding a "positive" initial round of talks with the England manager.
Further discussions will take place at Wembley tomorrow with the 63-year-old’s son and adviser, Pierfilippo Capello, in an attempt to resolve the issue before the team departs for the World Cup finals. The governing body are confident Capello will head to South Africa with his position as manager assured until 2012.
Dave Richards, in his capacity as chairman of Club England, yesterday telephoned Capello, who names his 23-man squad for the finals today, and held “very positive” talks centring on the removal of a get-out clause in the Italian’s contract. That would have allowed either manager or employer to sever ties after the World Cup, with compensation of around €7 million required from the party instigating the parting.
Capello had previously reached a verbal agreement with Lord Triesman to have the clause cut from his deal only for the former chairman’s abrupt resignation to leave the agreement yet to be signed off.
The FA will be relieved to have settled the issue before the team’s departure for South Africa. Inter were prepared to treble the Italian’s wages after tax after their president, Massimo Moratti, identified him as “the ideal candidate” for the Champions League winners. Improving the financial terms of Capello’s deal has not been on the agenda in his talks with the FA.
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni believes Capello is keen to take charge of Inter Milan. "Even before Mourinho left, I imagined the name of his possible replacement," Trapattoni told Italian TV station RAI's GR Parlamentoshow. "Inter's next coach? At this time, Capello is the number one candidate. There's no doubt about his wish, but it depends on his contract.
“I think it will depend on his contract, but (Inter president Massimo) Moratti even in the past had the possibility to sign him. Knowing Fabio, he is very focused, but his situation is very difficult and he is followed by everyone.Ahead of a World Cup, a false step could create problems for him.”
Capello will focus today on finalising the make-up of his squad and is anxiously awaiting an assessment of Gareth Barry’s recovery from ankle ligament damage from his medical staff before confirming his selection.
The midfielder must effectively prove he will be fit to resume training by the end of the week to be included and some level of concern remains over his involvement in the tournament. Barry is to be assessed by the England team doctor, Ian Beasley, and the head physiotherapist, Gary Lewin, who will put him through a series of vigorous tests to ascertain the extent of his recovery from the damage sustained against Tottenham Hotspur on May 5th.
The player must prove he can turn on the joint and, having spent his rehabilitation to date largely working on a treadmill, will be expected to be able to return to light training by the end of the week.
Capello hopes Barry – his first-choice defensive midfielder – will be able to resume full training with the squad some 24 hours after England’s opening game against the USA in Rustenburg on June 12th but, should the medical staff be unconvinced that represents a realistic time-frame, the 29-year-old will not be considered for the 23. That would potentially offer Spurs’ Tom Huddlestone a place in the squad.
Michael Dawson and Scott Parker, neither of whom featured in either of the friendlies against Mexico and Japan, are not expected to gain selection, while Darren Bent did not appear to do enough in the lacklustre first-half showing in Graz to be picked. Joe Cole seems likely to edge out Adam Johnson and his Manchester City team-mate, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Of the other position in doubt, there remains the possibility that Stephen Warnock could be selected as Ashley Cole’s back-up at left back after Leighton Baines’s disappointing display against the Mexicans.
The Unlikely Lads
Fabio Capello will make seven difficult phone calls this morning. Here are 10 of the men who are dreading their phones ringing.
Michael Dawson(Tottenham) Uncapped when he was picked in the provisional squad and still that way.
Stephen Warnock(Aston Villa) A six-minute England career will hardly be extended in South Africa.
Scott Parker(West Ham) Unlucky not to be given a chance to impress after an excellent season.
Tom Huddlestone(Tottenham) Was handed opportunity in the Japan match and lasted just 45 minutes.
Darren Bent(Sunderland) Given a chance to prove a worthy fifth striker and didn't take opportunity.
Adam Johnson(Man City) Impressed in Mexico tie, though he was only on the pitch for six minutes.
Shaun Wright-Phillips(Man City) Capello's most difficult decision, but England have options in that area.
Joe Cole(Chelsea) Quite possibly number 23 on Capello's list and in by the skin of his teeth.
Gareth Barry(Man City) Capello will awaits a fitness bulletin this morning with interest.
Ledley King(Tottenham) Was not great defensively against Mexico, but has touch of class and scored.
Guardian Service
