England hopeful Ryan Shawcross backs ‘top manager’ Fabio Capello

Stoke youngster rates Italian…
By Zack Wilson (of Goal.com)

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross believes that England must stick with Fabio Capello despite the three Lions’ shambolic World Cup campaign.

 

The Potters’ centre-back has been tipped for a big future at international level, and received his first call-up to an England squad in February.

 

He feels that Capello has the sense of purpose and strength required to turn things round for the national side.

 

“He is a top manager, and I don’t think anybody can argue with what he has achieved throughout his career,” Shawcross told the Potters’ official website.

 

“Obviously things didn’t go according to plan at the World Cup finals and that is a major disappointment for everyone, but having worked under him, he certainly is a manager who leaves no stone unturned in regards to preparation.

 

“He is strong and thorough and makes sure people know what is expected of them, and he is excellent tactically too.

 

“You don’t win titles with the likes of Real Madrid unless you are a top manager.

 

“People are pointing fingers at him and the players, but I think at the end of the day we came up against a German side at the top of their game.

 

“When that happens, and you underperform a little bit, then things can happen like they did on Sunday.

 

“The players are good enough to do well on the international stage. Unfortunately, this year it wasn’t to be. But you look at the World Cup, there has been a few games where you wouldn’t have expected the result to have been what it was.”

 

Shawcross is also hoping to force his way back into the national reckoning in time for the qualifiers for Euro 2012, though he acknowldges that he could face a battle to do so.

 

“There are a lot of exceptional players (in the same position) like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand,” he added.

 

Then you have other top players like Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jamie Carragher. It’s not easy to get into the England side.

 

“But as it was proven in February by Capello, if a player is doing well then he will call you up on merit.

 

“Hopefully, I can start the new season well and who knows? But I have got to perform for Stoke and that is my primary objective.”