Capello eyes maximum haul

6:54pm Tuesday 14th October 2008

England boss Fabio Capello is determined to see his team go into the winter break in the World Cup qualifying campaign with a maximum haul of 12 points ahead of Wednesday's clash with Belarus in Minsk.

Capello's side opened their qualifying programme with victories over Andorra and Croatia last month and followed up by beating Kazakhstan on Saturday, and Capello is keen to make it four wins from four in their last qualifying match for six months.

At a press conference televised on Sky Sports, the Italian said: "We played one strong game against Croatia away - it is very important for the mind, for the confidence. Wednesday is another important game away."

Capello added: "I am always thinking about the victory, I never say to the players they have to play for the draw. They have to go to the pitch and win. This is very important.

"I spoke to the players and said this is very important - we have to wait six months for the next game. We are in a good moment and have to follow with positive results. Four games, 12 points - this is very important for me."

Capello, however, is taking nothing for granted against a Belarus side he rates highly.

The Italian added: "I saw three games of Belarus and they are a very good team. It will be no easy game. They drew with Argentina and Germany and this will be a very tough game."

Capello is also backing midfielder Steven Gerrard to shine despite comments from the Liverpool midfielder admitting he has not played at his best for his country.

The debate over whether Gerrard can form an effective partnership with Chelsea's Frank Lampard also continues to rumble.

Capello added: "It is always the same. If I put Gerrard in - why not Lampard; if Lampard - why not Gerrard. But I think they can play together. I think Gerrard has played some games very well."

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