Capello happy, Trapattoni upbeat

Published: Friday, 2. December, 2011 in category Rep. of Ireland

Fabio Capello is happy with England's draw for next summer's Euro 2012 finals, while Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is upbeat.

Capello & Trapattoni: Mixed fortunes for duo after draw

Capello's men were grouped with co-hosts Ukraine, France and Sweden in Friday's draw in Kiev. Meanwhile the Republic of Ireland were handed what on paper looks a much tougher test against Spain, Italy and Croatia.

Afterwards Capello told BBC Sport: "Now we are here all the teams are very good. They have arrived in this position in the tournament because they are very good.

"Of the other groups, I think Group B is very difficult because Portugal, Germany and Holland are very tough.

"Probably the best group was Group A but we are happy with Group D. It is a tough group but better than Group B."

Capello added that England will not move their base from Krakow, even though all of their group games will be played in Ukraine.

He said: "Absolutely not because we have found a really good place.

"I am happy with the facilities and we will stay in the same place in Krakow."

Former England captain Paul Ince was pleased with the draw. Ince told BBC Radio Five Live: "Overall we have to be delighted. It is a fantastic group for us.

"When you look at the groups we have had, in qualification and in the World Cup, the gods have been smiling down on us and they have certainly done it again tonight.

"If we can't get ourselves through that group we have only got ourselves to blame.

"On paper we should win all those games but the French are always tough, Ukraine at home will have loads of fans behind them - the atmosphere will be crazy.

"On paper it looks easy but I am sure Capello will not take anything for granted."

The Republic of Ireland, currently ranked 21 in the world, will be one of the

tournament's outsiders, but coach Giovanni Trapattoni was upbeat after the draw and pleased to be facing his native Italy.

He told BBC Sport: "I am happy. It is impossible to say which group was better because we know our position, the ranking.

"We have to think in football that all is possible.

"We have to play with the same mentality - obviously all the teams are very

difficult.

"But I am confident.''