The small European nation should allow for an uncomplicated entrance into international management for Capello, but four days later and a clash against England’s nemesis Croatia shall undoubtedly prove trickier for the Italian tactician.Croatia, of course, defeated England in their final Euro 2008 qualifier to dash their hopes of making it to Austria and Switzerland and signal the end of Steve McClaren's reign.
Thus, the game shall not only be seen by England fans and public as a chance for revenge but also as the first serious test for Capello.
Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus make up the rest of the squad and England shall face them on these dates:
Kazakhstan (h) Saturday, 11 October 2008
Belarus (a) Wednesday, 15 October, 2008
Ukraine (h) Wednesday, 1 April, 2009
Kazakhstan (a) Saturday, 6 June, 2009
Andorra (h) Wednesday, 10 June, 2009
Croatia (h) Wednesday, 9 September, 2009
Ukraine (a) Saturday, 10 October, 2009
Belarus (h) Wednesday, 14 October, 2009
England will have to finish top of their group to guarantee a place in the World Cup in South Africa.
Accompanying Capello to the meeting in Zagreb was FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking who expressed his happiness at the scheduling.
"We are reasonably pleased with how it worked out. He wanted Croatia twice in September - he was really relaxed about whether we were home or away.
"It has worked out quite nicely that we have a free Saturday before the home game. He also wanted to start with Andorra.
"The two summer games weren't quite as bad as normal. It is unfortunate we are not involved in the tournament coming up, so players will have a long rest this summer. He just felt it was an opportunity to get them away for a period of time.
"We have to make sure we get an evening kick-off for the Kazakhstan game but if you are going to have to play two matches in June, they are the ones you would have chosen."
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