Capello happy to see so many English players in Villa team
Martin O’Neill is not the only manager delighted to see Aston Villa riding so high in the Premier League.
With six of their players in his latest England squad, England head coach Fabio Capello has a vested interest in Villa outfit prolonging their stay in the top four.
Natural diplomacy and the delicate nature of his job means Capello will refrain from speaking out publicly in support of O’Neill and his team but the Italian wants as many of his players as possible to experience the highest level of club combat. And, while he has nothing against Wigan Athletic, Capello is delighted Emile Heskey has joined Villa’s surge for the Champions League.
“I followed Heskey at Wigan,” said Capello, who has recalled the burly front-man for Wednesday’s friendly against Spain in Seville.
“I have spoken with [Wigan manager] Steve Bruce about him but it is important for national-team players to play for a team at a high level and I think it is good for Heskey to play with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young in a good team who are so high in the table.”
It seems highly likely that Heskey and Agbonlahor will be paired together on Wednesday, given that Capello has vowed not to overexert his players in recognition of the demanding domestic programme,
Carlton Cole is one of the men set to profit after being handed his first call-up at senior level. With Capello in the stands, Cole did not particularly impress for West Ham against Manchester United at Upton Park yesterday but the 25-year-old has established a position above out-of-form Darren Bent in the England pecking order thanks to six goals in an eight-match unbeaten run prior to yesterday’s defeat.
“He is young and interesting,” said the England coach. “His movement and his strength impress me. He is in good form at the moment.”
Capello looked back on his only defeat of 2008 – against France in his second game – as the night he knew the team he had taken charge of were capable of matching their potential.
Spain might be regarded as 2009’s mock exam as they give the Three Lions – minus Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott – the opportunity to pit their wits against the team Capello currently regards as the best on the planet.”
