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Capello relishing derby dates with Wales

Fabio Capello is looking forward to his "first derby" as England manager after being drawn alongside Wales in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G, with Welsh counterpart John Toshack similarly enthused.

Capello relishing derby dates with Wales
Capello relishing derby dates with Wales ©uefa.com 1998-2012. All rights reserved.

Fabio Capello is already looking forward to his "first derby" as England manager after being drawn alongside Wales in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G, a section also featuring Bulgaria, Switzerland and Montenegro. Wales boss John Toshack enthused about a draw destined to "please all the Welsh fans" – keen to avenge a pair of defeats on the road to the 2006 FIFA World Cup – while Bulgaria trainer Stanimir Stoilov recalled his side's positive 2010 World Cup qualifying results against Montenegro.

Fabio Capello, England manager
All four opponents are really dangerous. Wales will be my first derby as manager of an international team; it will be interesting as they are one of the best teams now, although they are very young. I prefer a smaller group because we have less games but the group is very tough. Switzerland qualified for the World Cup. I remember when I played against them, it was not easy to win away. I have big confidence in my team and I am sure we will play a fantastic qualifying tournament for 2012.

Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach
Obviously this is a very hard group with England as favourites. With Fabio Capello in charge, they have been stronger. They're one of the best teams in the world, with a lot of world-class players, but our aim is to qualify. I'm sure we will have a real chance despite the unpleasant tasks ahead of us. Bulgaria like to play, Wales are powerful and we should not underestimate Montenegro. These will be tough matches, but there are no easy groups.

Stanimir Stoilov, Bulgaria coach 
It is a very tough group. We have got the strongest team from each pot. There are no clear outsiders, which is good because every side will drop points. We have a chance, but I cannot say we will go through. I am worried about the games against Montenegro as we met them in the World Cup qualifiers [winning 4-1 and drawing 2-2] and we know their strengths. England are the clear favourites. Switzerland are very strong too. A good start will be very important.

John Toshack, Wales manager
Without doubt, drawing England will please all the Welsh fans – [there is] plenty of history there and we like nothing better than another chance against the old enemy. I know Fabio Capello quite well, so will look forward to being able to pit our talents against a powerful England team later in the year. We have had recent experience against both Bulgaria and Montenegro, and Switzerland are a good mid-ranking European side. In truth, there will be little between ourselves and those other two sides. All in all, a very interesting draw.

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