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Capello downplays dream draw delight

London, Dec. 6 (ANI): Following a dream World Cup draw for England in Cape Town, Fabio Capello is trying hard to conceal his delight.

But even the granite-faced Italian could not deny that not only had England avoided a Group of Death, they had been granted a place in the Group of Breath with the USA, Algeria and Slovenia.

"I don't think it is an easy draw. I will be telling the players it is not an easy group," News of the World quoted Capello, as saying.

Look elsewhere and you see Germany lined up against Australia, Serbia and Ghana, or Brazil pitted against Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

However, Capello says that England won't have it easy.

"Look, we respect everyone but we fear no country. That has to be the attitude. The biggest test, though, will be the first game. There is always a massive amount of pressure when it comes to the first game, especially psychologically," he said.

"In that respect, I see the USA as potentially dangerous opponents because they are a very physical team but they also now have good technique. They showed how good they are in the way they performed in the Confederations Cup here in South Africa last summer, especially when they beat Spain," he added.

Capello's message is clear - we respect all teams but we fear none.

"There will be no easy games. We respect all of the teams but we have to do what we have to do. Yes, there are stronger groups than ours. But that doesn't mean to say ours is easy," he said.

"Every game at a World Cup is different, especially because of the psychological pressure. But, yes, I am in a good mood. I think this is England's time but I also respect the other teams," he added. (ANI)

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2017, 16:54 [IST]
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