Fabio Capello says 'sorry' for England's dire World Cup
Friendly international: England v Hungary Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010 Kick-off: 2000 BST Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live and ITV 1
A look back at England's 2010 World Cup campaign
Fabio Capello has apologised for England's dismal World Cup and insisted he will fight to turn things around.
The Italian avoided the sack as England boss after the tournament and begins the build-up to Euro 2012 with a friendly against Hungary on Wednesday.
"I say sorry to the fans that joined us in South Africa," he said.
Capello also said he would remind Wayne Rooney of his responsibilities after reports of poor behaviour by the player outside a nightclub last week.
The England boss said he understood fans had "spent a lot of time and money following England" in South Africa.
"I'm really sorry," insisted Capello. "But we have to look forward now for the European qualification matches."
I will speak to Rooney when I meet him - I will remind him it is not good
Capello on Rooney reports
When asked if he considered resigning, Capello said: "The day after the Germany game, I spoke with Club England chairman Sir Dave Richards in South Africa.
"I told him what I think and said 'you have to decide [on my future]'.
"I thought a lot about the situation but I'm a fighter and I've never quit in my career. I always look forward.
"I thought about different solutions and, after I spoke with Sir Dave, I decided to stay here.
"I want to go forward and to improve and to play the Euros because for me they will be very important."
Capello has only the Hungarian game to try out any new players before the European Championships qualifying campaign gets under way.
Only 10 of the World Cup squad have been picked in Wednesday's squad and the Italian admitted his players might get a rough reception at Wembley.
"I understand the supporters. I think on Wednesday sometimes they may boo but we need the support of the fans," he said.
"It is very important but I possibly expect them to boo on Wednesday because they had a lot of confidence in the team going into the World Cup and the results were not so good."
Rooney was possibly the biggest disappointment for England in South Africa and his post-tournament method of relaxation has come in for criticism as well.
Last week pictures emerged of the 24-year-old outside a Manchester nightclub, smoking and allegedly urinating behind a bin.
Capello heard of Rooney's antics before returning from holiday but will spell out the need to behave properly to the Manchester United star.
The Italian said: "About Rooney, I read something in a Spanish paper and I read Alex Ferguson was not happy with this.
"I will speak with Rooney. I always speak with the players. They have to remember they are really important to the fans, and behaviour-wise we have to be careful.
"That applies to everyone. I will speak to Rooney when I meet him. I will remind him it is not good."
The manager also admitted he was concerned about the fitness of his squad heading into the tournament after an exhausting season in England.
He pointed out that the likes of Germany had a month-long mid-winter break but admitted it was unlikely a similar rest would ever be introduced in England.
"We played the game in March [against Egypt] and the players were in a good situation [physically]," said Capello.
"But when we played the friendly games before the World Cup, the players were not in the same situation that they were in March - we knew the situation before the World Cup.
"I spoke with my staff but I could not come out and say this because psychologically it is not good for the players because they can read everything."
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