Fabio Capello's England contract is not due to expire until 2012, and despite reports to the contrary the Italian is happy to carry on after next years World Cup. "My contract ends in 2012, and I want to respect it," he said.

"It is not only a matter for me but also the FA. But in my mind the target is to respect my contract."

It means Capello should get the chance to work with at least some of England's next generation.

"We used to speak about this question a lot in Italy," he said.

"But if these players are good enough they will play anywhere.

"In the same period at AC Milan, five or six players came through the academy; Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta and so on. Why? Because they are very good.

"The manager is ready to put players like that into the first team even if they are young."

Capello came up with a few England youngsters who are already making the transition from under-21s to senior action.

"Ashley Young and James Milner have come through; Gabriel Agbonlahor as well, plus David Wheater. That is four players from the under-21s.

"It is good for the future because they are at important teams. Don't forget Wayne Rooney is still young, and there is Theo Walcott as well.

"It is the level of the players that is important rather than the number of them."