Capello: England can roar

Fabio Capello is determined to disprove Michel Platini's theory that England are lions in the autumn but turn to lambs by the spring.

Fabio Capello is determined to disprove Michel Platini's theory that England are lions in the autumn but turn to lambs by the spring.
Once again, a June fixture has proved too difficult for England to negotiate successfully.
The reason they remain in top spot in the battle to reach Euro 2012 from Group G is purely because Montenegro conceded a second-half equaliser to Bulgaria in Podgorica.
It meant the unfancied eastern Europeans failed to capitalise on a 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley where England were forced to fight back from a two-goal first-half deficit.
Even if England make it to Poland and Ukraine next summer, it is not easy to see how Capello's side can be any more effective than they were in last summer's calamitous World Cup performance.
The Italian is keen to prove Platini's theory, which he offered several years ago, is wrong, but he does not have a masterplan for how that will be achieved.
Capello said: "I remember what Michel Platini said, next June I hope we will be lions.
"We will try to find a solution. But do you know the medicine?
"It is not the quality that is lacking. We have quality. The problem is the energy."
The observation is not a new one and there is some merit to it.
However, there are other issues too, namely mystifying selection decisions and repeated communication issues.
As Rio Ferdinand discovered when John Terry was handed back the captaincy, communication is not Capello's strong point.
But England are hurting themselves.
If, as expected, Peter Crouch confirms an intention to make himself unavailable for Three Lions duty until Capello leaves at the end of the European Championships, it will rob England of one of their most potent goal threats.
There had always been a suspicion the 30-year-old would be omitted if Capello could justify it, but Crouch's impressive goal return has made it impossible.
However, given he is apparently some way third in a group of three strikers available for the Switzerland game, and knowing Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe, all absent yesterday, are ahead of him in the pecking order as well, it seems Crouch has thrown in the towel.
That, coupled with Ashley Young's omission from Saturday's starting line-up despite producing his three best England performances in their last three games, and then proving the folly of that decision by scoring the equaliser, merely created a confused picture of Capello's continuing tenure.
"It is a question for the chairman," said Capello, when asked why he should continue into the final year of his £6million-a-year contract.
"It is my job. I am trying to do everything the best I can."