Soccer:Fabio Capello refused to speak about his departure from England as he prepared for his first competitive match as Russia boss, saying only that his exit was a matter of "respect". The Italian coach resigned from his position with the English FA February after the governing body decided to strip John Terry of the captaincy.

While England turned to Roy Hodgson, Capello made a swift return to the international stage when the Russian Football Union came calling in July. Capello’s new side take on Northern Ireland in Moscow tomorrow in the first Group F World Cup qualifier, and he was in no mood to reflect on his previous engagement.

Asked about the end of his England tenure, Capello said: “I left England, but you know why. Because of respect. Only this. It’s finished. No more questions about England.”