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In the appointment of Fabio Capello as the new head coach we are witnessing a regime change at a time when a complete overhaul of the England football team is needed. Capello's reputation and success in the game can only act as a positive influence in challenging and changing the under-achieving losing mentality experienced in recent years.

This is a man who knows what needs to be done to improve the team and has the strength of character to make the difficult decisions to ensure it happens. Reputation and sentimentality are of no concern to the new boss who has arrived in the job with the sole intention of winning; something he has done throughout his managerial career.

Outdated and inflexible formations, players devoid of passion and a lack of tactical expertise have been all too evident under Sven Goran-Eriksson and Steve McClaren. Such things will not be present in the new England set up, with Capello a master tactician and born leader. He demands the respect of his players and and will accept nothing less than the execution of his instructions.

Gone are the days of guaranteed selection as every player will have to prove they merit a place in the squad and ultimately the team. In his first match, a friendly against Switzerland, we saw the exclusion of David Beckham with Michael Owen taking an unfamiliar role on the subs bench; something that has not happened since he burst onto the international scene as a teenager. David James was reinstalled as goalkeeper, a decision due to a lack of other available options. Capello has been quoted as saying he has identified a goalkeeper in the U-21 squad who could fill the void on a long term basis. That player is believed to be the Manchester City youngster Joe Hart.

There are a number of other young players previously on the fringes that have found their stock rise and the likes of David Bentley and Gabriel Agbonlahor are being given the chance to stake claim to a regular place in the squad. With their inclusion the effects will have a massive boost to other fringe players who will see an opportunity to break through and step up to full international status. Youth will prove to be an invaluable asset as Capello will undoubtedly find it easier to improve the technical ability and tactical awareness of the younger players than he will with some of the more seasoned professionals.

The changes required are large and varied, but in appointing Fabio Capello the English FA have made the correct decision. The remainder of the task is in the hands of Capello, the current players available to him and those being developed for years to come.

Learn more about this author, Matthew P. Nicholson.
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