Fabio Capello says he always dreamed of taking charge of England ahead of Italy.

Capello said: "Winning eight games out of eight and qualifying with two games to spare is a great achievement but it was not easy.

"We started off with a handicap as we had not qualified for the European Championships. I had always dreamed of managing the England squad and it was always my goal although I would even have been happy with a club side.

"The Italian national team was never something that appealed to me. I never had that desire maybe it's because I like going abroad and doing something different. Certainly England is one of the best prepared teams going to South Africa and one who can make a good impression by maintaining the same humility and determination they have shown in qualification.

"We can play anyone. Other favourites would be Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina and Spain."