England's previous visit to the Maksimir Stadium is deeply engrained into the memories of their supporters, but made little impression on the man chiefly responsible for avenging that 2-0 defeat, Fabio Capello. The Italian revealed yesterday that he has not watched that match - or England's 3-2 defeat by the same opponents at Wembley last November - even on video.

Many who were in Zagreb two years ago must also wish they had been spared a spectacle that ruined several international careers. Steve McClaren carried the can for experimenting with a 3-5-2 formation and failed to regain his authority, Paul Robinson, the goalkeeper, never recovered from the gaffes that gifted Croatia two goals and even the reputation of Wayne Rooney, England's golden boy, suffered after clashing with travelling fans.

It is no wonder that England's players have little wish to review the footage, but Capello's screen blindness is more surprising.

“I didn't watch those games, but I saw the games Croatia played in the European Championship,” he said. “I prefer to watch teams in person. On a video, you can see only one part of the pitch. I prefer to watch the whole game. If not, it's impossible to see why teams were able to counter-attack or why things happened. It's too little, the part of the pitch on the screen, when you watch on video.”

Expert View

The Croatia result will decide whether the concept of Capello as manager flies or not

Martin Samuel

• More

• Post a comment

BACKGROUND

• Zagreb holds no fear for Capello and England

• England must call time on years of hurt

• Bilic's recipe: wine, fags and talent

• Capello has no time for video nasties

Multimedia

• Chelsea: On-the-job training

• Man United: You've been merked, Capello

• Reading: Is Lita's yesterday's man?

Related Links

• Bilic's recipe: wine, fags and talent

• Capello is in credit, like it or lump it

John Terry hinted yesterday that England underestimated Croatia two years ago, a mistake they will not make again. “I was surprised how well they played, but we made mistakes,” the England captain said. “It was clear, after 20 minutes, that maybe we should have gone with four at the back and been a bit more solid, but they're a very good team. People look at their players and want them in their teams, and they've not lost a [competitive] game here. I think we can come here, walk away with a draw and be very happy. A draw would be a great result.”