In an interview with Spanish sports newspaper Marca published, Capello claimed the Spanish coaches have had a positive effect on the country's top-flight.

The Italian said: "They have implanted this new philosophy, a new touch system, not only long balls, so that is good for English football."

Spanish players have thrived in the Premier League in recent times and the England coach had words of praise for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, both of whom should line up for their country at Euro 2008.

He said: "Liverpool have never had a player like Torres. He is playing phenomenally well. He could be one of the stars of Euro 2008. He is enjoying a very good spell and he is also finishing better than he did at Atletico Madrid.

"Fabregas is a brilliant player. He is one of the best midfielders in the world."

Capello has also been impressed by the free-scoring Cristiano Ronaldo, but is not yet convinced that is the best player in the world.

He said: "He is one of the best, but on that list you have Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka, Alexandre Pato, Cesc and Wayne Rooney."

Moving on to Ronaldo's employers, the 61-year-old believes Manchester United are slight favourites to win the Champions League, following the Red Devils' first leg semi-final draw at the Nou Camp against Barcelona this week.

He said: "I think Manchester United are in an ideal condition, but I would not rule out anyone."

In the absence of England at the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland this summer, Capello believes that Euro 2000 winners France will be the team to beat, although Italy and Spain will also be a threat.

He said: "France have a very good team. They have good players and a lot of quality. Italy have a good national team and then there is Spain. I always put them among then favourites. They have a great team."