England manager Fabio Capello says he has no worries about fielding a youthful side against Spain, with Phil Jones set to play in an unfamiliar midfield role.
Jones has enjoyed a swift rise following his summer move to Manchester United from Blackburn, and has received the full backing of his international manager, who has drawn comparisons between the youngster and the legendary Italian Franco Baresi.
"I have no fear. Nothing. The team that plays tomorrow will be really good," Capello told reporters.
"He [Baresi] was really good as a defender. As a midfielder, he was so-so, so I hope Jones is better there. Phil Jones has got a lot of qualities, really good qualities. His potential is the top.
Spain is the hailed by many as the best side in the world, and Capello is fully aware of the gap between the two sides ahead of the friendly game at Wembley.
"No one in the world is close to Spain. Not Holland, not Germany, because their style is completely different," he declared. "The Dutch and the Germans are playing well. But Spain's ball possession is really good.
Capello feels Spain's style is unique in the international game, and says his England players cannot try to match their opponents' passing game.
“You can't copy this style," the 65-year-old insisted.
"It's come from the academies. They've got eight players coming from Barcelona, four or five from Real Madrid. This style is normal for them.
"Without players of value it would probably be no good, but Spain have some players at the very top. They have seven nominated for the Ballon d'Or.
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Rank | Team | W/D/L | Pts |
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Cities & Stadiums
The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments
Year | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | Spain | Germany | Russia / Turkey |
2004 | Greece | Portugal | Netherlands / Czech Republic |
2000 | France | Italy | Netherlands / Portugal |
1996 | Germany | Czech Republic | France / England |
1992 | Denmark | Germany | Netherlands / Sweden |
1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | Italy / West Germany |
1984 | France | Spain | Denmark / Portugal |
1980 | West Germany | Belgium | Czechoslovakia |
1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | Netherlands |
1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | Belgium |
1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | England |
1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | Hungary |
1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Czechoslovakia |