• Euro 2012

Capello: England or Italy will lose in semis

ESPN staff
June 22, 2012
Fabio Capello has tipped England and Italy to bow out before the final © Getty Images
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Former Three Lions boss Fabio Capello believes the winner of the quarter-final between England and Italy will be defeated in the following round.

Capello, who led England to Euro 2012 qualification, departed the international scene in February, ultimately being replaced by Roy Hodgson. While admitting to having divided loyalties ahead of Sunday's quarter-final clash in Kiev, Capello has predicted a Germany-Spain European Championship final.

"I have contrasting sentiments about Sunday's game," said Capello. "I worked with England for four years and I can't easily forget that. However, Spain and Germany will be the two finalists at Euro 2012.

"Germany have an incredible spirit and have real strength, while Spain are the side who play the best ­football even if they are missing something in attack - they need a player like Lionel Messi.

"Generally speaking, I think that these two sides are superior to the rest of the teams in the competition."

Meanwhile, Hodgson insists he will not approach Capello for advice on his compatriots to gain an advantage in order to qualify for the semi-finals.

"We have more than enough information on teams and more than enough research," said Hodgson.

"I don't think I will be turning in particular to anybody for advice. We will be making certain we use all the evidence we have got and study the video and make our own minds up as to how we go about the job."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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