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Fabio Capello expects England stand-ins to match the best of Brazil | Kevin McCarra

The England manager has changed the national team's culture by taking friendlies seriouslyFabio Capello never tires of turning the world upside down. No one, for instance, had expected to see credibility restored to England's friendlies. The manager is compelled to pick virtually a second team...

England's timely chance to measure up against Brazil yardstick | David Lacey

There is never a bad time to play the Brazilians, even for an England team savaged by injuriesThere is never a bad time to play Brazil, even with a team weakened by injuries. Sir Alex Ferguson might dismiss this evening's friendly in Doha as a junket for the Football Association's blazers but for...

Scotland and Wales planning for Euro 2012 campaigns

• Burley opts for blend of youth and experience• Toshack names Swansea's Ashley Williams as captainWith World Cup play-offs occurring without them it is no surprise that John Toshack and George Burley have built up their meeting in Cardiff as a new beginning for Wales and Scotland. It...

It's in the stars: Raymond Domenech is Ireland's best chance | Dara O Briain

Richard Dunne has let the French team, indeed the French nation, know that this man is dragging them backAh, Raymond Domenech, what's in the stars for you this week? Well, ahead of the Ireland-France play-off the news is mixed. Apparently, Mars is going to be moving through your partnership zone...

Dunga adds steel to Brazilian silk

Five years playing in Serie A have turned Brazil's former captain into a counter-attacking coach of the national sideTostão, that notable Brazilian striker, was the first to accuse Dunga of turning the Selecao into a facsimile of Italy and Fabio Capello added weight to that theory here in the...

No regrets and no Republic return

Manchester City midfielder is happy to miss out on the Republic's play-off game against FranceThere is one obvious question with which to begin. The Republic of Ireland play the first leg of a World Cup play-off against France today and, if they were to eliminate the 1998 champions, you wonder what...

Capello: Rooney can lead from front

Captain Rooney. It does have a ring to it and yesterday, as Fabio Capello announced that Wayne Rooney is the first choice to skipper England tonight against Brazil in John Terry's absence, there was further evidence that a special bond is growing between manager and star player.

Domenech fears player revolution

The symbolism has been unmistakable at the French national training centre this week. The leaves have turned a glorious yellow in the woods that surround the Centre Technique National at Clairefontaine, but by the time France have completed their two-legged World Cup play-off against the Republic...