The England coach has decided on a new strategy of making injured players report for duty if there is any doubt over their likely availability.

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were the first to be pinpointed by Capello's get-tough regime, the former taking the 400-mile round trip from Merseyside to England's base in Hertfordshire for confirmation that the groin injury he sustained against Bolton on Saturday was sufficient to rule him out of tomorrow's friendly with Germany.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez was said to be unimpressed at the move after the Liverpool website had already said Gerrard was not fit.

But Capello feels his strategy can erase any room for doubt. And he confirmed conversations had taken place with Benitez and other leading managers to clarify his stance.

"I have no concerns with the clubs," he said.

"I have no problem with them. There is a good relationship.

"Some players were injured already but we thought our doctor should check Lampard and Gerrard because they were injured very late in their games on Saturday.

"From now on, the rule will be that our doctor will check the physical condition of the players.

"I spoke privately, not only to Rafael Benitez but other managers as well, but what was said will remain private."

Capello is a bit bewildered at the reaction to so many missing players.

In his view, the situation is quite simple - in addition to four players already out with longer-term injuries, Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were effectively ruled out when they did not line up to face Stoke on Saturday.

Lampard and Gerrard were omitted after examination by the Football Association, so in the Italian's eyes, there the debate should end.

"The fact is these players are injured," he said.

"I was a club manager. I understand the managers' positions but that has nothing to do with this situation.

"It is disappointing I can't play all the players. But I am sure it will still be a good game."

So good in fact, Capello feels the 7,000 England fans making the trip to Berlin for England's first meeting in the city with a unified German side since 1938 have plenty to look forward to.

Not that they can look forward to seeing the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Michael Mancienne start.

The youngsters may get their chance after the break, but at kick-off Capello wants an experienced side on the pitch.

"It is possible some of the younger players will come on in the second half but the experienced ones will start," he said.

"It is very important to know some of these players better. I have seen them do very well with their clubs. Tomorrow I can check what they do against Germany.

"It is incredible so many fans will travel to watch us. I am sure they will see a good game."

The encounter will conclude Capello's first year in charge. From forlorn and weather-beaten underachievers, the Three Lions have started to roar again.

After the misery of Steve McClaren's ill-fated reign and the disappointments that preceded him with such unerring regularity, no-one is getting too excited yet.

But Capello has declared himself satisfied at the last few months, with a win against Germany having the potential to provide a perfect ending.

"I am very happy for the position we are in and the results and performances," he said.

"We have built a strong group and I am really content with our work."

With a perfect four World Cup qualifying victories already secured, Capello knows the outcome tomorrow means little and is certainly a secondary consideration beside the performance.

Yet there is something special about an England meeting with Germany that transcends a mere friendly international, bringing back reminders of glories and agonies past.

Geoff Hurst will receive a special award immediately before kick-off, offering its own recollection of England's finest hour in 1966, and Capello is intrigued to learn how the latest act in the drama works out.

"In the world of football there are five or six very important teams, who play at roughly the same level," he said.

"One of them is Germany but also one of them is England."