Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Fabio Capello has turned England into World Cup contenders.

Cesc will miss Spain's big friendly against England with a knee injury and told the Mirror: "England are a totally different proposition under Capello. He has changed them in every respect.

"They have become very disciplined, they defend so well and it's so hard to score against them. Their defenders defend as if they were Italian.

"Now England are a world-class team who will be very tough opponents at a World Cup.

"In Fernando Torres and David Villa we have world-class strikers, but John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are brilliant defenders, they know their opponents and I think it will be a spectacular battle.

"It will be very hard for me not to play - but I think Spain will win. We are European champions and are playing with confidence and belief."