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Man Utd's Rio: Capello has players walking on egg-shells

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits England's players are still getting used to new manager Fabio Capello.

"We're all walking on eggshells," said Ferdinand.

"We all knew Steve McClaren before he got the manager's job but no one had had any contact with Mr Capello when he took over.

"No one knows his personality and it's too early to say what the differences will be in terms of tactics and the football he wants.

"The vibe I get from all the lads is that Capello has won just about everything and we need to be like sponges to soak up all the information he gives out.

"I'm sure we'll have a better idea of what he wants after spending a few days with him in Trinidad at the end of the month."

Capello expects all his players to be available for the next two friendly games and will not take kindly to any player asking for time off to rest.

Ferdinand stated: "If you're fit for England, you go. I don't understand anyone not wanting to be involved. If you don't keep that desire, you don't deserve to wear the shirt.

"I get the same buzz from a call-up now as I did when I was a kid at West Ham and that first FA fax came through to the secretary's office at the training ground. The scariest thing I can imagine is a call to tell me I won't be playing for England."

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