Capello staying loyal to Three Lions; Fab wants to respect England deal to 2012.

Byline: Simon Stone

FABIO Capello has revealed he intends to remain England manager until 2012.

The Italian's contract is not due to expire until after the next European Championships but there has been plenty of speculation that he will quit once England's World Cup campaign is over in South Africa next year.

However, ahead of today's friendly with Slovenia at Wembley, the 61-year-old has claimed there is no intention to quit early and that a second major tournament in Poland and Ukraine remains on his radar.

"My contract ends in 2012 and I want to respect it," he said.

"It is not only a matter for me but also the FA but in my mind the target is to respect my contract." Given the swift change in England's fortunes - going from groupstage elimination in the Euro 2008 qualifiers to seven straight wins, taking them to the brink of reaching the World Cup - it is a fair bet the FA would want Capello to stay.

Of more immediate concern for the Italian is securing a place in South Africa, which England will do if they beat Slaven Bilic's men at Wembley on Wednesday.

In that sense, Slovenia, with their swift counter-attacking style, represent the perfect warm-up this evening.

What Capello is not expecting to see is an explosion of diving, having been somewhat taken aback by the storm that has erupted over the Eduardo incident at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Arsene Wenger is fuming at the twomatch ban UEFA have handed his striker. And Capello admits he is somewhat surprised a match in England should be singled out for such stiff treatment.

"I have seen a lot of games in England but I haven't seen a lot of diving. It is a problem between Arsenal and UEFA but I do not understand why it has been given such coverage," he said.

Coming from Italy, one would expect Capello to be fairly laid-back about a diving culture.

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However, he insists both during his own playing career and now as a coach, he has always maintained a desire for fair play. "I prefer sporting players," he said.

"Sometimes people try to get an advantage, which depends on a lot of things, including the kind of player.

"I know the fans here don't like it because when it happens they boo. And I prefer sporting players as well. I am not happy when people start diving."

Skipper John Terry admits the England players are relishing the Croatia clash as well as the Slovenia friendly.

Croatia dumped England out of Euro 2008 qualifying on their last visit to Wembley.

"It's difficult not to think about it but the manager has emphasised the game on Saturday to get the best out of Wednesday," he said.

"It was a disappointing night the last time they were here and that is in the back of our minds. But we don't go in with a revenge mentality. It's a chance to put things right."

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Fury: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger