England boss has lighter side and is always laughing – Defoe

England striker Jermain Defoe has played down Fabio Capello's dour image, insisting the coach has "got good banter".

Italian disciplinarian Capello has a reputation for being stern and strict with players and media alike.

However, Tottenham forward Defoe and team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips, the Manchester City winger, insist there is a jovial spirit within the camp.

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Defoe told FATV: "Obviously he is extremely disciplined but the manager is cool, he's got good banter.

"He joins in and is always laughing and stuff. But when we're training, we've got to do it right."

Wright-Phillips added: "There's loads of banter, especially around the dinner table when we're chilling and socialising."

While Defoe is seemingly well down the pecking order up front, he is prepared for action should the call come.

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"I'm ready," he said. "In training I feel sharp and I'm ready, definitely."

Wayne Rooney, who is assured of his place up front, is convinced England will ease through their group.

Against the side ranked 30th in the latest FIFA standings, it should not be a problem for Capello's side – and Rooney is adamant there is no need to be apprehensive.

"The manager is obviously confident and I'm a confident person, too," he said.

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"I believe we will qualify from this group – I don't think there will be any problems about that.

"But the performance (tonight) is not something I am too worried about. The only thing I am concerned about is winning.

"With any tournament it is how you finish and not how you start."

Italy won the World Cup in 1982 without winning any of their three group games.