World Cup semi-final is a must for Fabio Capello

Fabio Capello is aiming for at least a semi-final spot at this summer's World Cup
11 April 2012

England manager Fabio Capello is targeting at least a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

England have been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in the last two World Cups but the Italian believes they can go at least one better this time.

"A top-four finish? It would be a good thing," Capello said in Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But I don't like to settle for anything even though in the Premier League, I only have 38% of the players available for selection with respect to 67% of Italy and 63% of Spain.

"Of the rivals, the ones that have impressed me most have been Brazil and Spain."

Capello also believes the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United explains Wayne Rooney's explosive form this season.

Rooney's goals against West Ham this week, his 26th and 27th of the season, means he has 15 fewer than Ronaldo's tally in the 2007-08 campaign when the Portugal winger established himself as one of the world's finest matchwinners.

Rooney's recent form has drawn comparisons to Ronaldo's impact, with Capello thanking Sir Alex Ferguson for developing the 24-year-old's talent at Old Trafford.

Capello has weighed in with his own advice, telling Rooney to become more of a poacher - and this season he has become a great goalscorer rather than a scorer of great goals.

As he proved against AC Milan and West Ham, he is also adding headed goals to his game.

"Wayne is an extraordinary player, he is talented and willing to learn," Capello said.

"Ferguson has taught him so much while I've only had to polish him.

"I have told him that he must make sure he plays inside the box and he must continue to score goals.

"The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United has given Rooney more responsibility and he is now integral to their plans."

Capello also suggested he will not select Michael Owen, England's leading goalscorer among current players, while the striker is not playing regular football for United.

Capello said: "He is one of the best English goalscorers of all-time but if he doesn't play, I cannot pick him."

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