A FORMER England star has revealed the moment Fabio Capello allowed players to have a beer just days before a crucial World Cup clash.
The Italian was in charge of the Three Lions for their disastrous 2010 campaign in South Africa.
Fabio Capello was in charge of England 2010 World Cup Credit: GETTY
The Italian let players have a cheeky tipple ahead of their do-or-die clash with Slovenia Credit: GETTY
They drew 1-1 with the USA in their opener before being held to a drab 0-0 by Algeria in their second Group C clash.
Capello was meticulous with what his players ate and drank before and during the tournament.
But sensing that he needed to relieve the pressure on their shoulders, he let them have a cheeky tipple ahead of their do-or-die showdown with Slovenia.
Former midfielder was left stunned by Capello’s release of the reins, saying of the pre-match beers in an interview with Ladbrokes: “It was tough.
“And after that Algeria game, it was actually the first time Fabio [Capello] let us have a drink one night, when we went to Port Elizabeth for the Slovenia game.
“He could feel it. He could feel his methods not really working with the team.
“He felt everyone needed to relax and chill out a little bit, and have a glass of wine or a couple of beers after our meal.
“We knew Slovenia was a must-win game, and that was probably where Fabio was stuck and thinking he might have to let us relax a bit more!
Gareth Barry was left stunned by Fabio Capello’s decision to let players have a few beers Credit: AFP
But he reckons the Italian’s brief releasing of the shackles did wonders for the team’s morale Credit: PA
“I don’t even remember how that message is passed around, actually, that Fabio was happy for us to have a drink.
“It might have come from the captain [Steven Gerrard].
“But it was weird, you know, going from not being allowed to have ketchup, to having a few beers before a massive game for your country!
“That could be looked at as desperation maybe, or just trying something different.
“But that’s part of being a manager, really; just looking for an extra two or three per cent from your players.
“If it’s having a beer and a relax, maybe that helps.
“It did work for that game against Slovenia, and we did get through.”
Capello’s temporary release of the shackles had the desired effect as his troops booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Slovenia.
And Barry believes a similar relaxation technique from could do wonders for the Three Lions, who have looked uninspiring during their 2026 World Cup campaign.
He continued: “That’s the job of the manager, and it’s something Thomas Tuchel will be thinking about now.
“You know, you’ve got to find the balance between keeping your players ready for what’s to come, while also allowing them to rest.”
England will be back in action on Sunday evening, taking on at the Azteca Stadium.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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