The general opinion is that Capello has been so successful since replacing Steve McClaren because he maintains a rigid discipline which leaves the players in no doubt who is boss.

But the Italian insists the hard-line image is not quite the reality.

During his time in charge, three players have knocked on his door and demanded to know why they have been left out of a particular game. And Capello has always answered.

"I respect the players, the players respect me," he said.

"This is very important. The days we stay together sometimes I speak to them individually.

"I have always said my door is open, players can come into my office.

"Three players have come to me and asked why they weren't playing. Every time I explained."

If it is not the same as the Brian Clough philosophy of talking to his players then, after a while, concluding the manager was right all along, then Capello brokers no discussion once his mind is made up about a subject.

One such issue is that surrounding the players' wives or girlfriends, or 'WAGS' as they have become known, who became such a sideshow at the last World Cup. That mistake will not be repeated.

"No, absolutely not," said Capello, when asked if there was likely to be a similar circus to Baden-Baden in Rustenburg, which is believed to be where the Italian wants to stay.

"I hope we are at the World Cup for a very long time.

"The players will have one day with their family, with the girls and friends. It will be one day, after each game and that is enough. That's it.

"If they do not want to come for the day, then they should stay home."

With eight straight qualifying wins behind him, Capello is assured of public support by the time England get to South Africa next June.

Before then, the Three Lions will play six matches, the first two of which conclude Group Six, before a high-profile friendly with Brazil in Qatar which, once it has been officially announced, will take place on November 14.

But as for his 23-man squad, Capello will not be making any decisions until the spring.

He knows who he would take if the tournament was about to take place now.

However, his own experience tells him nothing can be taken for granted.

"I played the qualification for the Argentina World Cup in 1978 but I didn't go to Argentina," recalled Capello.

"I wasn't injured. I just wasn't good enough and I heard on TV that I was not in the squad.

"In 1974 we arrived as one of the favourites. Out of the previous 12 games, we won eight and drew four against some of the best teams in the world. But at the World Cup we played Poland, Argentina and Haiti - and then went home.

"It just shows we have to wait. It is possible all the players I selected for the last squad will be with us in South Africa.

"But the door is open for everyone and I have to decide at the time which players are in the best form."