Tired players promised break before Euro 2012

Fabio Capello intends to let his England squad take a two-week holiday ahead of Euro 2012 assuming they qualify for next summer’s tournament.

Twelve months after the dismal performance at the World Cup, England conclude a productive season against Switzerland at Wembley today.

With 10 points from their opening four qualifying games, a home win will leave Capello well placed to have another tilt at tournament glory in Poland and Ukraine.

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The Italian claims to have learned plenty of lessons from his time in charge so far. The most important is that his players need a break.

“If we reach the European Championships I will not see the players for between 10 days and two weeks,” he said.

“They will go on holiday and afterwards we will start preparation for the games.

“I learned a lot at the World Cup. I learned that the players were tired at the end of the season. Also I discovered that they don’t need a lot of games before they play their first match in a tournament. I trust them to be good. On holiday they can recover the mind.

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“That is really important. During the season they are always focused. They need a break.”

Not that Capello is wanting to be accused of getting ahead of himself.

Even though Switzerland arrived in London without three key strikers due to retirement and loss of form, and trailing Group G front-runners England and Montenegro by six points, Capello regards the World Cup qualifiers as tricky customers.

“This is a really dangerous game,” he said.

“We need to remember that Switzerland have six players from Serie A, two or three from Germany, two more from England. Also, they need to win. But we need to win, too because we are only top because we have scored more goals than Montenegro.”

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Although Capello is weakened in attack through the absence of Wayne Rooney through suspension and Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll due to injury, he will be bolstered in defence by Rio Ferdinand’s return.

Confirmed as a starter by the England coach, Ferdinand will partner John Terry in a competitive game for the first time since October 2009.

It is expected Capello will stick largely to the side and formation that proved too much for Wales a couple of months ago.

However, he also noted England were outstanding against Switzerland in Basle earlier this year, which will give Manchester City trio Adam Johnson, Gareth Barry and James Milner hope of being involved for the game at Wembley today.