• Euro 2012 qualifiers

Capello wants mental strength

Fabio Capello is looking for England to play without fear when they take on Bulgaria in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday.

England are looking to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment with a bright start to qualifying, but Capello has been rocked by injuries to a number of big players - notably John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Capello will have to field a central-defensive partnership that has not played together before and has warned his team to be mindful of the threat Bulgaria will carry at Wembley.

"We have to play without fear," Capello said at a press conference on Thursday. "I thought the players have trained well with confidence. I hope tomorrow we can see the same.

"Bulgaria will not be easy as they are strong mentally and will play with nine defenders, one forward; a counter attack that is fast.

"It will be important for the spirit of team and for the fans. But we have to play all the games, not just one game."

Capello has yet to decide whether to field Wayne Rooney as a lone striker or with a partner, but was happy to see him bag a goal against West Ham.

"Rooney is free to move and go where he decides to go," the Italian said. "The way he played against West Ham showed he is back. He scored a goal which is good."

Capello has confirmed a change of tack by insisting the door is still ajar for David Beckham to return to the national side.

Following England's abject showing at the World Cup finals, which Beckham played no part in due to injury, Capello confirmed he was looking to move on and turn towards youth.

He claimed Beckham was too old to feature in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, a move which led to a barrage of criticism and he has since softened his stance.

"The door is still open for all the players, always," Capello said when asked about the prospect of Beckham playing for England again. "If I prefer for this moment to choose young players. But the door is open for other players."

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