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Fabio wants England to ‘attack’ Sweden

Comment: 0 November 15th, 2011 by: admin

ENGLAND tamed Spain using an air-tight defence. Against Sweden on Tuesday, the Three Lions are planning to shift to the attack mode.

The English are aiming to notch a first win over the Swedes in 43 years and will put emphasis on attack during their friendly tiff at Wembley.

Employing a choking defence against Spain on Saturday, England eked out a morale-boosting, surprise 1-0 victory with Frank Lampard hitting the goal that mattered most.

‘This is really the important step for us to go forward and improve,’ said England coach Fabio Capello.  ‘It is difficult when the other team thinks you are the best. This is the change. Now Sweden think we are good. They will want to play better here.’

England are facing Sweden after coming off a first win over a reigning world champion since 1980 and they haven’t lost in 12 months but Capello hinted the game against the Swedes will be really difficult.

Wayne Rooney, suspended for all of England’s group matches in the Euro 2012, has been dropped from the current squad and Capello is expected to start Darren Bent along with Bobby Zamora and Chelsea’s uncapped youngster Daniel Sturridge in his bid to assess his options at front line.

John Terry will also return as captain at centre back in partnership with Gary Cahill and right back Kyle Walker in his first start as Capello tries to blend youth with experience against the visitors.

Terry is seeing action despite being embroiled in an alleged racial abuse against Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand. The incident is currently being investigated by the police and Football Association.

The veteran playmaker had denied the claims against him and said he is ready to play against the Swedes. ‘I’m in a great state of mind and focused on training. From my point of view, nothing’s changed at all.’

Though they may be the underdogs, the Swedes, who lost to Denmark 0-2 on Friday, are unbeaten against England in 12 encounters since 1968.

Sweden’s attack will be led by their captain, AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who, however, is being criticised for not performing well for his country.

But coach Erik Hamren defended the mercurial striker, saying he is not as worried as the media is and that his player has done a fantastic job.

England will still be without key playmakers Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere as well as winger Ashley Young.

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