England were lucky to beat Wales, says Fabio Capello

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Media caption,

Capello 'suffered' in closing stages

Fabio Capello admitted England were lucky to secure the win over Wales that puts them on the brink of Euro 2012 qualification - claiming his players lose confidence when they play at Wembley.

Ashley Young's goal on 35 minutes gave England their first victory at Wembley in more than a year and leaves them needing only a point from their final qualifier in Montenegro next month to reach the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

But it was a poor England performance and they were fortunate to escape with three points after Wales substitute Robert Earnshaw shot over the top of an open goal with 13 minutes left.

Capello said: "We were lucky. The moment when their player made a big mistake in front of goal was lucky, but I didn't think we played very well in the last 15 minutes and we suffered.

"We never had good possession and never pressed the ball. We played on the counter-attack without speed.

"We played well for 20 minutes in the first half but we need to play well for the whole match."

England's struggles were in sharp contrast to the comfort of their 3-0 win in Bulgaria on Friday and Capello still believes his team is struggling with the pressure of playing at Wembley.

He said: "Sometimes the result is the most important thing and I think at Wembley our opponents play with more courage and aggression.

"Probably here at Wembley we lose confidence. Some players who usually dribble and go straight at goal don't do it. We pass across the goal four or five times. I always want three players in front of goal but there was only one.

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Win was important - Young

"In qualification for the World Cup, we played very well at Wembley but we probably felt the pressure of getting the result and the other team didn't. It is different if you can do something with a free mind."

Capello praised match-winner Young, with Manchester United's summer signing a stand-out performer as England secured maximum points from their two qualifiers.

"Ashley Young is a really good player," said Capello. "He was good when he started playing with me and I've known him three or four years now. He is a really important player for us. His movement with and without the ball is really good."

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