Players right behind me – Capello

Quite apart from the successful reshaping of his squad, Capello appears to be suffering some communications difficulties.

It began with Paul Robinson and Wes Brown announcing the end of their international careers after being named in the squad to face Hungary, and ended with the Italian telling the media that David Beckham's international career was effectively over as far as he saw it.

The Italian, and by definition, the Football Association, have come in for a huge amount of criticism for failing to inform Beckham of the content of an interview Capello gave on Monday in which he said the 35-year-old was "too old" to be considered in future.

What Capello failed to mention in his apparent snub was that assistant Franco Baldini had spoken to Beckham in the wake of the TV interview and the

LA Galaxy player was aware of its content.

That knowledge probably explained why Capello reacted with incredulity when asked whether he thought his players retained faith in him.

"I am sure about it," he said.

"The players are the important thing. They are the ones I work with. If they believe in me, we can win. When we win the fans will be with us. My relationship with the players is good. I have never had any problems and I am looking forward.

"We have to evaluate what happened this summer but then quickly forget.

"It is not easy but this is a new adventure and I have to find new players."

Most of those he brought in on Wednesday night in the 2-1 Wembley win over Hungary turned out to be successes, with his three wide players all excelling.

Theo Walcott returned to the form that would have made him an automatic choice for the World Cup, Ashley Young produced a performance Capello felt was more like those he regularly comes up with for Aston Villa, and Adam Johnson freed himself from the restrictions Capello noted on his debut against Mexico in May that convinced him the World Cup was too early for the Manchester City winger.

"He is a really good player," said Capello. "He can play left and right and has improved a lot in a really short time. How long it takes someone to adjust to international football depends on the talent.

"With some players it is immediate. I think Adam Johnson is one of those talents.

"I am also happy for Ashley Young. I wanted him to play with the same style and confidence that he has at Aston Villa.

"This time he was Ashley Young. He is an important option for me."

Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs also made a seamless transition to the international stage on his debut and he seems assured of becoming Ashley Cole's deputy at left-back.

As Jack Wilshere overcame a stomach problem that condemned him to spend most of Tuesday night in hospital, the only young player of renown who was missing this week was Everton's Jack Rodwell.

Yet Capello has his eye on him as well, even if he might have to wait until the friendly with France on November 17 that is being earmarked for Beckham's farewell.

"We have time to choose new players," said Capello.

"This time it was four new players. For the next friendly game I can choose different players to experiment with."

What is now certain is that Capello has no intention of going back.

Peter Crouch, Joe Cole and the rest might well be options in an injury crisis but for now Capello is happy to rely on the youngsters who weld verve to the core of experience that has been retained.

In two weeks, the squad to tackle Bulgaria will be unveiled and, unless there are problems Capello is not anticipating, it will look very similar to the one he has been using this week, with the exception of the goalkeeping department.

"This is the future of England," stressed Capello.

"I know the other players. If during qualification someone is injured, I can pick them.

"But the players who have been with us for the first friendly game are the future."