England manager Fabio Capello admits he is taking a risk by shuffling his pack against Spain, but claims it will be calculated gamble.
Coach still confident England can compete with Spain
England manager Fabio Capello admits he is taking a risk by shuffling his pack against Spain, but claims it will be calculated gamble.
The Italian made it clear once the Three Lions had booked their place at Euro 2012 that he would be using friendly dates to experiment and take a look at a few fresh faces.
He has been as good as his word, with Daniel Sturridge and Jack Rodwell added to the senior ranks for a meeting with world and European champions Spain and Tuesday's clash with Sweden.
The likes of Bobby Zamora, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck have also been included, with Capello keen to start piecing together his plans for next summer's European Championships.
In order to confirm in his mind his 23-man squad for that tournament, he will need to take a look at those currently regarded as fringe players.
That means England will field a much-altered starting XI against Spain to that which is considered to be their strongest, but Capello insists he is still taking the game seriously.
"We have taken a risk, but not a lot," he said at Friday's pre-match press conference.
Respect
"We are preparing really well. We respect all the teams and we respect Spain.
"We know the style of Spain is difficult to play against. Tomorrow will be difficult because the ball possession of Spain is really good. The most important thing is that when Spain lose the ball, we get it back. We need to play really quick when we get the ball back.
"We need to play with confidence and for the fans to support us in every moment."
Capello is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to the side he will send into battle, but he has confirmed that Manchester United's versatile 19-year-old Jones will be handed a role in the middle of the park.
"Jones will play as a midfielder," he said.
"The captain will be Frank Lampard. That is enough.
"I decide the line-up on the day of the game. The players will know tomorrow what team we will play."
