World NewsMountain High for England's World Cup Campaign |
England are set to launch their bid for World Cup glory in a little bolthole in the Austrian Alps.
Fabio Capello had already confirmed his intention to stay at altitude in Austria for a week prior to departure for South Africa, where England will encounter stadiums 5,000ft above season level in Johannesburg.And, while FA sources are refusing to officially confirm the magnificent Hotel Schloss Pichlarn near the little town of Irdning will be where England stay, as Capello went there with Roma in 2000 and Real Madrid six years later, it would seem to be a sensible choice.
Aside from training facilities inside the hotel itself, which is 2,300ft above sea level, England would use the pitch of the local football team - good enough for Real Madrid to play a pre-season friendly in 2006 - for their twice-daily sessions.
England will play a match themselves, although as it will almost certainly be a full international, possibly against a fellow World Cup contender - Japan on May 29 have been mentioned as potential opponents - Salzburg, a Euro 2008 venue, or Graz, where Sturm play, are more suitable venues, even if they are an hour's drive away.
With Capello due to take a final check on potential bases in South Africa when he heads to Cape Town for the draw on December 4, England's plans are slowly taking shape.
However, concrete dates will not be put in place until Capello finds out exactly when England will start their campaign for world supremacy.
Although the World Cup starts on June 11, England will not be in action on that date as South Africa will be the top seeds in Group A.
It means providing England are named as a top seed as well - something that appears certain - their opening match could take place at any point from June 12 to June 16, when Group H gets under way in Durban.
Capello has let it be known he does not intend to leave for South Africa until six days before England's first game.
The order of England's last two friendlies has also to be confirmed as Capello's side will play one match at Wembley in addition to the encounter in Austria.
Aside from these two games, Capello also has to organise opposition for England's last mid-season friendly on March 3.
Again, this will depend on the qualifying draw, with candidates from South America or Africa to be sought if Capello's team end up drawn with countries from either of those continents.
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Mountain High for England's World Cup Campaign"? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
We review the ‘Ronaldo Effect’ and find out if the Portuguese superstar is missed by Manchester United, why he is so vital to Real Madrid and if we can lead his country to World Cup glory. We also chat to Xavi, Carlo Ancelotti, plus Socceroos Vince Grella and David Carney.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
