By the time they had secured a place at the 2010 World Cup, Capello felt much of the damage had been repaired. But the tournament in South Africa ended in abject failure again, leaving the England manager back where he started.

It is why, in his opinion, this qualification campaign has not gone as smoothly as he would have hoped, his side dropping points at home to Switzerland and Montenegro. It is why there have been stuttering displays in Wembley friendlies too, not least against France. It is also why Capello has fast-tracked so many youngsters, because the only solution before Euro 2012 is to continue this regeneration with players who do not carry the baggage of the past.

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