Capello demands England victory
Capello warned his players against complacency
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John Terry and Ashley Cole have been ruled out of England's midweek World Cup qualifier in Belarus through injury. |  |
Tuesday, 14, Oct 2008 10:22
England manager Fabio Capello says he will settle for nothing but a victory in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Belarus in Minsk.
Victory in Minsk would give England 12 points from their opening four games which would be their best ever start to a World Cup qualifying campaign.
Capello claims that at no stage does the thought of a draw enter his head.
"I am always thinking about the victory, I never say to the players they have to play for the draw," he said.
"They have to go to the pitch and win. This is very important.
"We are in a good moment and have to follow with positive results. Four games, 12 points - this is very important for me."
Belarus are formidable opponents, especially on home soil, and the Italian warned that his players must not take anything for granted.
"I saw three games of Belarus and they are a very good team," he said.
"Tomorrow will be no easy game. They drew with Argentina and Germany and this will be a very tough game."
The England boss refused to be drawn, however, on whether Steven Gerrard would pay the price for his poor form with his place in the starting line-up.
"It is always the same. If I put Gerrard in – why not [Frank] Lampard? If Lampard – why not Gerrard?
"But I think they can play together. I think Gerrard has played some games very well."