Thursday, October 27, 2011

Downing Eyes Last Hurrah For Fab

Stewart Downing hopes England can give manager Fabio Capello a good send-off by winning the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Italian boss Capello, who took charge of England in 2008, is set to step down after the Euros when his contract with the Three Lions expires.

England international Downing hopes his side can ensure Capello exits on a high note by claiming success at the Euros after a disappointing World Cup campaign last year.

"It's sad to see any manager leave or any player retire in that circumstance," Downing, who was speaking on behalf of the England Footballers Foundation at an event at Knowsley Safari Park, told Sky Sports News.

"So I think the best way if Fabio does leave after the Euros is to go out on a winning way and hopefully we can progress and try and win."

Liverpool midfielder Downing has been impressed by the way Capello has rallied his squad following their disappointment in South Africa last summer.

"I think we recovered really well from the World Cup disappointment and all the players stuck together," he added.

"Obviously the manager has stayed on and got us as a tight unit and playing as a team together.

"There's been a great improvement since the World Cup and we've got to take that onto the big stage at the Euros and perform."

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