World Cup 2010: Fabio Capello says England has great strikers

England's manager, Fabio Capello, says he is very happy with how his strikers fit into the team's style of play.

Fabio Capello has said England have a 'great selection of strikers' as they head into the World Cup. The Italian claims that, while the names of Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe may not strike fear into the top nations' defences, the players' different attributes make them perfect for England's style of play.

Wayne Rooney is arguably the only England striker to be considered a world-class player but Capello is very happy with the four forwards in his squad. "We were top scorers in European qualifying and we have a great selection of strikers, all with very different attributes. We play a different game to Spain for example, who play quick, beautiful passing football – which their strikers enjoy. Our strikers fit in with our style of play," he told Match of the Day magazine, which is on sale now.

Rooney, of course, will be the focal point of England's attack as they prepare to take on the USA in the opening Group C game in Rustenburg on Saturday and Capello heaped praise on the 24-year-old. "There isn't a better player in the world," he said. "He has great ability, great determination, and this season he's been getting in more goal-scoring positions. He's always willing to learn – and he never thinks he knows it all. He is very important."

Capello also spoke about the different rules he had to introduce when he became national coach in January 2008, replacing Steve McClaren. The Italian felt changes were needed after England had missed Euro 2008 and he was pleased with how the players responded. "When I came to England, I set rules – about food, mobiles, meal times and a dress code," he said. "The players reacted well to this, which shows how professional they are. If you are more professional off the pitch, you'll be more professional on it."

It is, however, not just the football that has endeared the former Juventus, Real Madrid and Roma coach to life in England. The food, perhaps surprisingly, has also made an impression. "I had Shepherd's Pie at an English stadium this year for the first time – it was really quite nice. [And] I love the theatres in London – Mamma Mia was our favourite as a family. London has great museums – I love the Tate art gallery."

Source http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/08/world-cup-2010-fabio-capello-great-strikers