After four friendlies, Capello's team are approaching the moment of truth, with just next week's encounter with the Czech Republic to go before the World Cup qualifying campaign begins.

As only the group winners reach South Africa automatically and Euro 2008 nemesis Croatia lie in wait, the omens do not appear particularly good.

Indeed given the general excellence on show in Austria and Switzerland this summer, Capello could be forgiven if he had developed a pretty substantial inferiority complex.

Yet the Italian retains immense confidence in his players, with only Spain, of all the teams in action this summer, impressing him enough to be deemed worthy of special praise.

"Spain were the best team at the Euros," he said.

"They won because they played with confidence.

"The other countries played with a lot of spirit and the level of their players was good. But we are at the same level or better."

The obvious question, which has been posed so often and answered so many times by Capello's predecessors without really managing to deliver it effectively on the pitch, is how a team comprised of individuals capable of so much for their clubs seem so inferior when they pull on the famous white shirt.

"We have to play with spirit and we have to play with confidence. It is down to me to transmit it," he said.

"The players believe in themselves. That is why they have improved every game."

Confidence is not a quality Capello lacks.

Given the impressive nature of his CV, such a stance is possibly understandable, even if the unequivocal nature of his statements are a bit of a shock to those so used to watching failure unfold.

"We will qualify for the World Cup. We will be in South Africa. I am sure of it," he said.

Also certain, in Capello's eyes, is victory over Croatia.

As England lost 2-0 when they ventured to Zagreb, then contrived to lose at Wembley in a match they only had to draw after pulling level at 2-2 in a game they trailed by two goals at half-time, the evidence to back up Capello's theory is not overwhelming.

Even Capello does not come up with a reason. Call it gut instinct.

"Croatia played well enough at Euro 2008," said Capello.

"They played with spirit and pride in their country. They have patriotism. They are a good team, who play on the counter-attack very well and they have quality in midfield and in their forwards. But I think we are ready to win against Croatia."

Capello was speaking at the National Football Festival at Wembley which was organised by McDonalds.

Over 800 children took part in the event, the pinnacle of 50 free football festivals around the country, which saw 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst put in a special appearance alongside Capello.

But once his commitments to the FA's sponsors are complete, England will try to dispose of the Czech Republic.

Rather than announcing a large squad on Thursday, then cut it down once the weekend's opening Premier League fixtures have been completed, Capello will name his squad on Saturday evening for the friendly with the Czech Republic at Wembley on August 20.

It seems an odd strategy given three games, potentially including a dozen key men, do not take place until 24 hours later.

"The most important games will be played on Sunday, so it is dangerous," nodded Capello, without explaining why he could not delay until Sunday.

Manchester United alone could have six against a Newcastle side containing Michael Owen at Old Trafford.

Frank Lampard, David James and Jermain Defoe are likely to be involved as Chelsea meet Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge, while Gareth Barry is still likely to be with Aston Villa when they entertain Micah Richards' Manchester City.

Also in action are both potential captains, given Steven Gerrard has apparently been ruled out of the running and David Beckham's appointment for the friendly in Trinidad this summer seemed a mainly political move to appease influential FIFA executive committee member Jack Warner.

Rio Ferdinand won warm praise for his faultless performance at Wembley on Sunday as United beat Portsmouth in the Community Shield.

Ferdinand has been tipped as Capello's favoured choice, although the opinion mainly seems to be based on John Terry looking a bit glum around the Chelsea training ground.

Yet it appears whatever is vexing the Chelsea skipper it cannot be the captaincy issue.

For Capello has no intention of telling either man, or anyone else for that matter, who will lead his new-look England until next week.

"I will announce the captain a day before the game," he said.

"I will speak with the captain just a moment before I tell the rest of the squad, then everyone else will find out."