England boss Fabio Capello is dumping his summer hols so he can
prepare for next year's World Cup.
The News of the World says no stone will be left
unturned as England bid to end more than 40 years of major
tournament hurt.
The Italian has already:
* Sent a four-strong delegation to check out training bases
* Issued a strict no-WAGs edict
* Booked himself and assistant Franco Baldini on a fact-finding
mission to this month's Confederations Cup in South Africa
* Consulted doctors and specialists about the unique demands of
playing there
* Asked the FA to get tough over the release of
Premier League stars
It was thought Capello would have a break after the qualifier
against Andorra at Wembley on Wednesday. Instead, he and Baldini
will jet out to watch the Confederations Cup.
They will run the rule over key rivals including Spain, Italy
and Brazil, check out the conditions and even talk to medical staff
with the British and Irish Lions.
One FA insider said: "Fabio is not counting his chickens but he
is determined to make sure there will be no excuses next summer. He
wants the best for England and wants no distractions for his team
if they qualify for the finals."
And no distractions means no WAGS. Capello has made it clear to
FA bosses that friends, families and agents will not be welcome
near the team base following the wives' and girlfriends' antics in
Germany 2006.
The source said: "Fabio knows he cannot stop friends and family
coming out to support. But he wants them to keep a distance and not
create a circus."