Mancini: 'England have Capello to thank'

Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini believes that England would not be in the position that they are now in if it were not for former coach Fabio Capello.

Mancini has heaped praise on his fellow Italian ahead of their nation's quarter-final tie with England.

Capello quit as manager of the Three Lions in February having guided England to a second successive major international tournament.

Critics did not have confidence in him guiding England any further at Euro 2012 than at the World Cup two years ago.

Mancini believes that the success of Roy Hodgson would not have been possible if it were not for the contribution of his predecessor.

"England has to thank Capello," Mancini said. "I've seen them playing and I recognise his organisation.

"I understand that this England play in a way that could seem boring, but at this point of the season, every player is tired and from this match the team who score first could win with a high percentage.

"So Hodgson needed to work on the defence and improve this part of the game. He is smart because, in this short time, a revolution would not work. He follows the work of Capello and, at the end of the day, he is an English-Italian coach."

England face Italy this Sunday evening in Kiev.