Capello issues World Cup warning to England players

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Established England regulars like centre-back Rio Ferdinand and goalkeeper David James will not go to the World Cup finals next year unless they have been playing regularly and are fit, England coach Fabio Capello has said.

The Italian, who will name his squad later on Sunday for next Saturday's friendly against Brazil in Doha, said the rule applied to every player including Manchester United's Ferdinand, who he described as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Both Ferdinand and James have missed matches recently because of injuries and unlike England coaches of the past, Capello said he would not consider taking anyone with an injury that might even heal during the month-long competition.

"The players that will be with us in South Africa will be all fit," Capello said. "If you go to South Africa and try to recover there, it will be no good.

"It will not be warm which makes it easier to recover. It will be cold in South Africa for the World Cup.

"It's impossible to wait for a player. Little injuries, okay, but anyone suffering bigger problems, they will not be there.

"Rio is absolutely one of the best centre-backs in the world. As a player I have no worries about him. But he needs to be really fit and playing every game.

"Right now he has some problems with his back and he has to train more."