Capello plans for Austria warm-up

Capello is on the brink of taking England to the finals

Fabio Capello has revealed he is looking to launch England's World Cup preparations in Austria.

The Italian is concerned about the high altitude of Johannesburg and may choose to set up England's training base in the mountainous country.

"We are looking at the prospect of going to Austria before coming to South Africa a week before the tournament," the England coach told Fifa.com.

England need one win from their last three qualifiers to ensure their berth.

Capello spent a week at the Confederations Cup to monitor potential opponents at South Africa 2010 but also to look at potential training bases.

606: DEBATE What do you think of Austria as a training base?

The coach added: "We won't have any problems with jet lag and in terms of getting used to the climate here, a week will be enough.

"I came to South Africa because we hope that we'll be back next year and we're looking to find a place that we'll use.

"We're looking for a place at altitude, plus the standard of the pitches and the hotel in mind. They're the three things that are the most important to us."

Assuming they qualify for the World Cup, England will find out their group phase opponents in December.

Even if England are drawn away from Johannesburg, where the opening game and final will be played, they will probably stay in the city to ensure they are fully acclimatised later in the competition.