Austrian mountains just Fab for England's stars

IT WORKED for Real Madrid and Roma — now England will use it as their World Cup training base.

By Neil Ashton, 27/09/2009

England chief Fabio Capello will return to the world-class ski resort of Irdning in Austria to prepare for next summer's finals.

Capello took Roma to Irdning before they won Serie A in 2001, and he returned when Real Madrid won La Liga in 2007.

The England chief is convinced that the secluded spot in Austria, which has stunning mountain backdrops (top, will be a lucky omen.

Capello (pictured in Irdning) has selected the tiny town in Austria, south-east of Salzburg, with just under 3,000 inhabitants, to work on high altitude training at facilities which are 650m above sea level.

Although the team hotel has yet to be confirmed, it is understood that they may stay at a mountain retreat used by Stoke during pre-season (middle).

Hideaway

The 900-year-old Schloss Pichlarn has stunning views of snow-capped mountains and is believed to be the perfect hideaway for England's players.

Along with top-class gym facilities (bottom), spas and steam rooms, there is also an 18-hole golf course for the players to use in their free time.

England will stay in Austria for eight days as part of their pre-tournament preparations before flying on to South Africa for the start of the tournament.

Capello is planning to arrange a March friendly at Wembley against top-class opposition and there will be a flag-waving event at Wembley in May.

FA chiefs want to cash in on World Cup hysteria by hosting a sell-out game inside the 90,000-seater stadium before they leave for Austria.

A high-profile game will be the perfect opportunity for England fans to wave the team off and wish them well.

Your comments

This article has 2 comments

nxt year is englands time we r going 2 win

By jon.. Posted September 27 2009 at 4:52 PM.

If you don't like Austria, you shouldn't be alive.

If you can't focus in Austria, you shouldn't be in the squad.

And if the Austrians don't like you, then shame on you. They are the friendliest hosts I've ever met.

By Rhys Jaggar.. Posted September 27 2009 at 10:20 AM.

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