Capello demands improvement

England coach Fabio Capello is expected to return to London on Monday and has urged his side to build on their first friendlies under his leadership with the 2010 World Cup qualifiers starting in September.

Capello recently flew to Thailand where he was a guest of the country’s football federation but is now concentrating on England’s friendly with the Czech Republic on August 20 at Wembley.

The 62-year-old said in today’s Gazzetta dello Sport: “With respect to our last two games, we must start again and show improvements.

“I expect my players to continue doing what I ask them to do.”

Capello offered a light-hearted comment about Inter Milan’s unsuccessful attempt to sign England midfielder Frank Lampard.

Lampard is set to remain at Chelsea next season.

Capello said: “He will avoid me having to do trips to Milan.”