Capello says England will perform ‘without fear’ against Croatia

FABIO CAPELLO insists England must perform “without fear” against Croatia in tonight’s World Cup qualifier – after claiming he currently prefers to play away from Wembley because the players lack confidence in front of their own fans.

England were beaten 2-0 in Zagreb two years ago in a Euro 2008 qualifier and will again be confronted with a hostile atmosphere in the Maksimir Stadium.

But Capello has sensed a growing belief among his players during the 10 days they have been together which he feels is not evident when in action at the national stadium.

The former Real Madrid boss said: “I think we have worked very well for these nine, 10 days and I see the players having a lot of confidence.

“They are getting better day by day and I am sure that tomorrow night we will be okay and we will perform.

“Of course, you have to pay big attention to the counter-attack of Croatia. I think they are also very dangerous from free-kicks and corners. This is one of their strong points.

“But we have to play without confidence and without fear and play very quickly. I understand the spirit of the group and the team and it is going up.

“We know Croatia never lose at home. Also, I think when England play at home at this moment, we don’t play with a lot of confidence and I prefer to play away from England at this moment. But I am sure the players will play very well tomorrow.”

Capello has stressed the importance of experience and applying the team ethic against the technically gifted Croatians.

He said: “We have a lot of players with big experience. Seven of them played in the final of the Champions League last season and we have to play like a group, like a team.

“This is very important. We must not play as individuals. Every player has to help each other out. That is very important.”

A share of the spoils would still be regarded as a positive result for England but Capello will not set his team out to play for a draw.

And he is hoping to expose any cracks that may have appeared in the belief of Croatia after losing to Turkey on penalties during the Euro 2008 finals.

Capello said: “I never play for the draw. My idea is always to go to play for a win.

“I saw the Euro 2008 finals and (Croatia coach Slaven) Bilic did very impressive work with this team and they played very well. But I think losing on after penalties to Turkey in the summer, at this moment they are not so confident as before.”

Capello admits he is also relishing tonight’s game after seeing England struggle to break down the part-timers of Andorra on Saturday until substitute Joe Cole struck twice.

He said: “This game is exciting. I prefer this game to the one against Andorra because it is a tough game and the atmosphere will be very exciting.

“I know what happened in the past against Croatia but I always think about the future and this is a new game, a new season and the players will not think about what happened in the last game.’’

Defender and vice-captain Rio Ferdinand has been passed fit to play after recovering from a neck injury which forced him out of the Andorran clash.

Capello said: “Rio is one leader on the pitch, one leader in the dressing room and he is a very important player for us. Now he is fit which is good news.”