Fatigue could cost players chance to head to Poland

Capello has made it clear the two friendlies England have earmarked to play before leaving for Poland in early June will have a big bearing on his final selection.

The Italian has been greatly encouraged by the emergence of several youngsters and England’s disciplined performance in overcoming World Cup holders Spain on Saturday.

But Capello, whose side tackle Sweden at Wembley tonight, is mindful of certain England players being jaded at the 2010 World Cup after a long domestic season.

Capello, who will make eight changes from the side which overcame Spain to face the Swedes, said: “Some players are good at this moment of the season.

“But they will be tired at the end of the season and not at the top (of their game).

“During the period we stay together before the Euros I will have time to decide to see which players will be at the top.

“We play two games before we leave for Poland. We will understand which players will be the best.

“We need to choose the best players. We’ve got another game to play against Holland (in February) but I need to choose the players when we will start the preparations for the Euros.

“I think these players have got time to improve in that period between now and May. After, I will choose. Probably some players who are in a good moment now, will be so-so then.

“But the experience for these players to play at Wembley against Spain, Sweden and also against Holland will be important.”

Captain John Terry will return to the side against Sweden with Capello happy for him to lead the side despite being the subject of a police investigation over alleged remarks to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

But Capello admits he would prefer competition for places after the impressive displays of Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott against Spain.

He said: “I think yes, I am comfortable (with Terry), absolutely. You know why? Because guys, it’s innocent until....(proven guilty). I’ve spoken with him.

“Is Terry an automatic starter? I hope I will have problems always when I need to choose the players.

“I saw Lescott play a really good game. He did play really well, as did Jagielka.

“I’d prefer to have four good players and a problem to choose which ones play, rather than only one from whom to choose.”

Capello will be well aware of the threat of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 30-year-old has often struggled to make an impression against England at international level and in domestic meetings with different clubs.

But Capello played a major role in getting the best out of him when in charge of Juventus and believes he could make an impact in the Premier League.

He said: “Ibrahimovic improved a lot because he wanted to improve. He worked a lot, trained a lot, really hard, every day, every day, every day.

“He never went in front of goal. He was always ‘around’ the goal, but he started to score goals. He’s a fantastic player.

“He’s one of the top players in the world and could do it in the Premier League., absolutely. He’s so tall, so big, the movement of him is excellent and he’s fast.”

Capello confirmed Terry, Gary Cahill, Kyle Walker, Jack Rodwell, Leighton Baines and Bobby Zamora will be among the starters against Sweden who were not in the first XI against Spain.

But Danny Welbeck is a fitness doubt with what Capello described as “something that gives him a little pain, little problems,” with Scott Carson and Daniel Sturridge likely to be used as substitutes.

Capello confirmed he has no plans at present to involve David Beckham in the Euro 2012 finals, either on or off the pitch.

Beckham was not chosen in Capello’s squad for the 2010 World Cup, but did play a part acting as a mediator between management and the players.

It was a successful exercise and kept Beckham involved in England’s set-up at a time when he was still hopeful of gaining an international recall.

But the former Manchester United star has since slipped completely out of the picture in terms of playing, although he has often stated he will never formally retire from international football.

Asked if Beckham could be part of his off-the-field team in Poland, Capello said: “I haven’t thought about this.”

And asked if there was any chance of Beckham being in his Euro 2012 squad, Capello added: “No, I think he will only be involved in the Olympic Games.”