OFF TO A HAPPY START
'The Under-21s play an important part in the team's development. I am also pleased that my assistant, Franco Baldini, was able to start with me.'
FABIO CAPELLO (left), speaking with Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce at the FA -- PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON - ENGLAND coach Fabio Capello was greeted by a phalanx of cameramen and photographers on his first day at work.
The 61-year-old Italian, entrusted with restoring glory to the under-achieving England team, smiled and waved.
Then, he got down to work quickly.
He is well aware that expectations are high and his English employers have forewarned that his task will not be easy.
Capello succeeded Steve McClaren, who was sacked after England failed to qualify for this year's European Championship.
McClaren's 18-month reign as England coach is the shortest in English football history.
Although Capello brought with him an all-Italian, four-man backroom staff, his first meeting at the Football Association headquarters was with England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce.
'I want to have a close working relationship with him,' the Italian told The Guardian. 'The Under-21s play an important part in the England team's development.''
The FA hopes that the move will demonstrate to critics of Capello's appointment that the new coach is willing to work with the only Englishman likely to be involved at a senior level on the coaching staff.
The Italian will not meet his squad till next month, by which time he has pledged that he will be able to speak to them in their native tongue.
Among the players hoping desperately to meet him is former England captain David Beckham. The midfielder played under Capello when Real Madrid won the Spanish Primera Liga last season before he moved to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Capello had initially dropped him, but he recalled Beckham for a successful spell, which led to Real capturing the title.
Beckham, who has 99 caps, is hoping to be selected for his 100th when England play Switzerland in a friendly at Wembley next month.
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