Thaindian News

Rustenburg (South Africa), June 12(ANI): Ahead of the hugely-anticipated World Cup opener against the USA, England manager Fabio Capello has said his ultimate goal is to make the Three Lions’ supporters proud by winning the trophy, last won 44 years ago.

“Though I’m Italian, I feel a nation, a whole people behind me and my team. We cannot let down all those England fans who followed us in their thousands to Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine in the qualifiers and those who will be with us out here,” The Sun quoted Capello, as saying.

“I know the level of excitement being generated in England. I know just how important it is for this team to bring the trophy home,” he added.

Capello further said that the team would be making a mistake if the take their opponent lightly.

“The opening game is always a tough one, especially against the USA, who are always strong at the World Cup. What I am looking for is the sort of performance we gave in beating Croatia 5-1 at Wembley,” he added.

He also highlighted the problems that the England team has been facing lately, including the injury to captain Rio Ferdinand, but said that they have made big improvements over the last few days.

“I am more than happy with the attitude of the players and the spirit in the camp. I put the message across to the players that they must understand what wearing the shirt means. I ask for the absolute respect of the colours,” Capello said.

“I want my group not only to know the history of the team, but to walk proudly in the footsteps of former great players. Some people call me a sergeant-major, but that is not the case. I only ask for respect and order,” he added. (ANI)