Capello will still rely on interpreter for World Cup games

Fabio Capello has kept his England team dressing room translator for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign to make sure that his English does not let him down at crucial moments during games. Christian Lattanzio, who works for West Ham United, is being employed as the fifth Italian staff member within the camp.

Although Capello's English has made great strides, it slipped during a summer out of the country and the decision was made that Lattanzio should stay part of the set-up for the time being. The England manager had promised to learn English before he took the job in January but that has proved a tall order. Lattanzio has worked with Capello since his first game against Switzerland and is right at the heart of the England camp before games and during half-time to make sure that the manager is completely understood.

Lattanzio is an addition to Capello's staff of Franco Baldini, Italo Galbiati, Massimo Neri and Franco Tancredi but unlike those four, he is employed on a freelance basis. He is valued by Capello because of his grasp of the technical aspects of football although he is kept relatively secret. The England manager uses a separate interpreter to help him with comprehension when he does press conferences.

At West Ham, Lattanzio has developed a reputation for what he refers to as "mental strength" training. He has his own company which offers workshops in improving the psychology of athletes and business people. However, it is understood that he is only in the England set-up to put Capello's thoughts across to the players.

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