Capello can lift trophy, van Nistelrooy says

London: Ruud van Nistelrooy has claimed that even if Wayne Rooney were to become injured at this summer's World Cup then Fabio Capello would find a way to make England successful.

The Hamburg striker, who played under Capello at Real Madrid, faces Fulham at Craven Cottage today in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final, following the goalless draw in last week's opening leg in Germany.

Asked about the importance of Rooney the 33-year-old said: "I think it was a massive influence achieving the goals for England. I think he can make the difference between making the quarter-final and the semis. In his position in England at the moment there is [no one] better than him. [However] if, for one reason or another he can't play, you know Capello will find a way."

The Italian was the striker's head coach at Madrid during the 2006-07 season, before he was sacked despite leading the club to the La Liga title for the first time in four years. Van Nistelrooy said: "I was so disappointed when he [Capello] left Madrid. I told him that. I was really gutted because I felt there was so much more in there for us if he had stayed. I really had that sensation, and that's what he has proven with England as well. "I spoke to some of the English lads about him before he got to work and I told them ‘He is going to turn it around and he is going to be unbelievable for England'. And that's what he does. He is a successful manager and he achieves things."

Van Nistelrooy also praised Capello for his ruthless man-management an approach he used when stripping John Terry of the England captaincy earlier this season.

"When he walks into a room there is a presence there," he said. "It is his way or the highway. He walked into a very difficult dressing room at the time at Madrid with Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos and all these stars. At the time in Madrid Becks [David Beckham] was out of the side because he signed for Galaxy. But after that he kept training and working and Capello played him. That is what he is. He is very clear in that sense.

"He is tough, he is direct [and] deep down you know that he's right. He knows what is necessary to get the best out of players."