Capello hands warning to starlets

(GSM) – England manager Fabio Capello has warned England’s young prospects that they need to play regularly to have a chance to represent their nation in South Africa.

Capello has warned Arsenal’s Jack Wilshire, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott that they need to play if they are to have an opportunity to be part of his 23-man list.

“I watch a lot of Under 21 games because in the Premier League and the Championship I have seen a lot of good young players who are interesting for me,” said Capello.

“Players like Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson have been improving. I like Johnson because he has a lot of quality.

“You have seen what has happened to Joe Hart at Birmingham. He has improved a lot because he plays.

“He makes fewer mistakes because he has more confidence and that has come from playing regularly. The same has happened with Johnson. Before there was Stewart Downing at Middlesbrough and Johnson’s chances were limited. Downing left for Aston Villa and Johnson had his chance.

“It was important for Johnson to play and being in the Championship has been good for his development because he was playing all the time,” explained Capello.

“He can play better now because he was the best player in the Championship. Sometimes it is good for young players to play in the Championship all the time rather than in the Premier League only now and then.

“I hope Johnson will be able to continue his development at Manchester City by playing.

“That’s why I am pleased Wilshere has gone out on loan at Bolton because for a young player like him it will help him mature and develop.

“But Gibbs and Theo Walcott are not playing regularly for Arsenal.

“My experience teaches me that young players can improve a lot in two years. There are players who can step up in the next two years and come into the senior team for the Euros in 2012.

“We have talent and that makes the difference because without quality it is impossible to go forward and improve.”

Capello reserved special praise for James Milner, who now looks likely to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad.

“Milner is a fantastic player. He has improved more than any player in the squad,” said Capello.

“He is intelligent on the pitch, can make good passes, assists for goals and score himself. He is very like Frank Lampard, younger but with great energy.”