Capello sees Spain, Brazil as key threats

Fabio Capello on Friday identified Spain and Brazil as England’s main threats at next year’s World Cup, but also said an African team could surprise.

England have been resurgent under Capello and qualified easily, doing enough to be one of eight seeds in Friday’s draw for the group stages, meaning there is no danger of a first round meeting with Spain or Brazil.

But they could be drawn against a African team.

“If you want to win then you have to play the great sides but I have confidence in my team,” Capello said on the sidelines of England presenting its bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

“We have played all the top teams. For me, Spain is good and Brazil is very, very good.

“But I think the teams from Africa could surprise. I saw Ivory Coast and they really surprised me. And Cameroon are one of the best teams from the continent.”

England are expected to base themselves in Rustenburg, about two hours drive from Johannesburg, for the tournament from June 11-July 11 next year although Capello is concerned about the quality of the training pitches there.

“The pitches at the grounds are very good and the facilities are fantastic, but the training pitches are not great. But we have time,” he said.

“Rustenburg is one of our options.”