England manager Fabio Capello has admitted his ideal scenario would be to meet his native Italy in this summer's World Cup final.

The Italian has been set a target of reaching the semi-finals by the Football Association, but he says reaching the last four is a "minimum".

"We can beat all teams because we play at the same level as the best teams," Capello said.

The 63-year-old added that in a perfect world the Three Lions would meet the Azzuri in the final in Johannesburg on July 11th.

"I hope to play against Italy in the final but my shirt at that moment will be an England shirt," he said.

"I would not swap my position with [Italy coach] Marcello Lippi, I prefer to be England manager."

A large part of Capello's belief in England rests on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney, who last night scored his 29th and 30th goals of the season in Manchester United's 7-2 aggregate Champions League demolition of AC Milan.

"Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney are the best in the world," the Italian continued.

"The style of these three players is completely different at the moment. Rooney is strong, he runs a lot and also this year he has scored a lot of goals. I think he is one of the best players."