LONDON – England coach Fabio Capello told his players to stop eating fried food and ketchup as part of his efforts to lift the team following its failure to qualify for the European Championship.

Capello has taken England to the top of its qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with some of the improvement apparently due to an improvement in diet and discipline.

“I have, for example, impressed upon them the advantages of a Mediterranean diet over ketchup and chips,” Capello said in an interview with FIFA Magazine. “I have also put some rules of conduct in place for when the national team meets up, from eating breakfast together to the use of mobile phones, which must be switched off from time to time.

“The players have been very cooperative, and that is a clear indication of the high level of professionalism at their clubs.”

Citing the professionalism of the Premier League clubs suggests that any problems had been with the national team before Capello's arrival.

His predecessor, Steve McClaren, was criticized for being too friendly with the players – calling them by familiar nicknames and joking with the squad.

“I am eager and determined to help England rediscover the spirit that they once had as the teachers of football,” Capello said.