Soccer
Capello wary of the Welsh
2010-02-08 17:02
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London - England coach Fabio Capello admitted that facing old rivals Wales for a place at Euro 2012 will be a big test for his side after the neighbours landed in the same qualification group.
The Italian was here in Warsaw for the Euro 2012 draw with his side also set to face Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro in the five-team group for a place at the tournament to be hosted by Poland and the Ukraine.
"Wales is a really good team, very young and a derby is never a normal game," said Capello whose side are ranked 9th in the world according to FIFA with Toshack's Wales listed as 77th.
The Welsh failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup in South Africa, but the Italian will not be taking them lightly with plenty of sporting rivallry between the two British nations.
Switzerland, under ex-Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, are ranked 18th by FIFA while Bulgaria could also present the Three Lions with some problems in Group G.
"I think every game will be really tough," added Capello.
"(We will face) really good teams.
"It'll be really interesting and impossible for us to relax in any game.
"We'll have to stay focused."
And Toshack admitted Welsh fans will be relishing playing their illustrious neighbours.
"From our point of view it's a tough group, but with the big local derby against England, all our supporters will be looking forward to that," said the former Liverpool striker and Real Madrid coach.
"We've got a very young side, and they're developing."
Swiss coach Hitzeld, who won the Champions League titles with both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, said qualification is his side's only goal.
"Its a good group, but a tough group - qualification is our main goal," said the German.