New England coach Fabio Capello plans give his players an introduction to his regime with a double training session.
The double session represents a break from the more relaxed approach adopted by Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren as Capello looks to jolt the players out of a perceived complacency.
“There is a lot of work to do,” said Capello on the eve of his first session with the England squad.
The Italian intends to hold a brief team meeting at the hotel this morning, after which the squad will train at Arsenal’s London Colney training complex. They will then travel to Wembley for a second session, with the Football Association suggesting that the Italian will take a “very hands-on” role.
Capello last night called up Jermain Defoe to his squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Switzerland after Gabriel Agbonlahor withdrew because of injury.
The Aston Villa striker injured his hamstring during the first half of Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Fulham.
“I’d like him to join up with the England squad if our and their medical departments agree,” Villa boss Martin O’Neill told the club website.
“That would be nice for him but there’s no way he can play.”
The discussion over who is captain has surprised Capello, who comes from Italy, where they tend to hand the armband to the man with the most caps.
“I plan to name a captain for the Switzerland game on Tuesday but I don’t expect to appoint a permanent captain until we start the qualifying games. I want to work closely with the players before deciding on this,” Capello said.
Meanwhile, Peter Crouch voiced the “excitement” of all the players at the prospect of working under Capello.
“It’s a new manager, a new era,” said Crouch. “We all know his track record is fantastic and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”
