Lilian Thuram expects Fabio Capello to lead a turnaround in England's fortunes on the international stage.
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Lilian Thuram has told
skysports.com that he expects Fabio Capello to lead a turnaround in England's fortunes on the international stage.
The Barcelona defender worked with the Italian coach during his time at Juventus and insists that he is a born winner who will not settle for second best.
Thuram also feels that England's failure to qualify for this summer's European Championship was down to the players lacking belief when they pulled on the national shirt, something which Capello will not settle for during his reign.
Superstars
"With Capello in charge I am convinced that England will begin to achieve success," the French international told
skysports.com.
"I have worked with Fabio and he is a winner who thrives on the intensity of his work. He has accepted a big challenge with England but he can make it work.
"I have seen some of England's recent matches and it was incredible to see the nerves in such a sensational squad which contains some of the superstars of world football.
"Capello's arrival will help to calm them down and help them to feel comfortable on the field.
Surprise
"It was a surprise that England did not qualify for Euro 2008, but they gave their rivals too many chances.
"It would have been impossible to fail against Russia and Croatia had the team been more confident about what their roles were.
"This should change, as the key to Capello's success is work, work and more hard work.
"Anyone who does not accept this will be out of the squad and Capello does not care for big names. If a supposed star is not playing well then they will not play next time.
"Capello is also the master of psychological training. He is always in contact with the players and will collaborate with them."
Advantage
With Thuram set to come head-to-head with Capello's England on Wednesday, he insists that his former manager's decision to give David Beckham his 100th cap in the game was the correct one.
"Beckham is still one of England's best players when he is in peak physical condition," he said.
"If he has proven himself to be fit enough then I am not surprised that he has been included against France.
"He knows the systems of the coach (from their time at Real Madrid), and that could be an advantage for the future."
Huge game
Thuram also admitted that he expects the clash between the two old adversaries in Paris to be far from friendly, with national pride at stake for both sides.
"Matches between England and France are always huge games and every player is happy to be given the chance to play in them," he said.
"But really it is not just simply a friendly match ahead of the European Championships.
"We are playing for the pride of our supporters. It is vital that we play well and win."
