Now’s the time Capello

Capello is a proven manager at club level, but I hope he’s not so confident in his own track record that he won’t listen to those who have managed a squad at an international tournament. Capello needs to dig deep in his man management and tactical acumen to bring about some real change on Wednesday. There’s only so much that autocratic leadership can produce, particularly in the stifling conditions of ‘camp England.’ He needs to generate ownership and team spirit, and leadership that listens will help. The papers are saying that the senior players have asked Capello to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lampard and Barry sitting deep, Joe Cole on the left, with Gerrard in the middle behind Rooney, and Lennon on the right. It’s worth trying, because Friday was so poor and more is needed than a bit of tinkering.

Against Algeria, England looked clueless, shapeless and visionless. Wright-Philipps can have moments of excellence, but he’s not a game changer who’ll unlock a robust defence whereas Joe Cole has that ability. England need their leaders now more than ever; leaders on the pitch and leaders behind the scenes. In the profound – cover-version – words of Glee, ‘Don’t stop believing.’