Fabio Capello has insisted he can cope with the pressure as England end 11 months of non-competitive football with their opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra in the Olympic Stadium.

Head coach Capello has had to be content with playing a series of friendly internationals since replacing Steve McClaren in the role after England's failure to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

But now the action starts for real with the expectations high as England look to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Capello said: "For me, the pressure is normal. Always, at the clubs I was manager of, the pressure was very, very strong. Because we had to win 100%.

"It's different now because it was one club, one city. Here it is one country but the pressure is normal in my job.

"It's difficult because the pressure is stretched out longer at international level in that you have to wait maybe a month, not two days or a week as in club football, to change everything.

"It means you have time to think a lot and you have to wait, lots and lots."

Capello is aware of the defensive approach Andorra are likely to adopt and the importance of scoring an early goal after England were frustrated for 45 minutes before winning 3-0 when the sides clashed 18 months ago.

Anything less than a victory against opponents not afraid to compete in a physical manner will be deemed a disaster ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Croatia in Zagreb.

"First, I have to think about the first game against Andorra. The first result. That's very important, to start with three points," Capello said.

"I saw Andorra against Kazakhstan and, in the second half, despite losing 3-0, they were staying back, not giving or creating any space. It will be very important to score one goal early to settle things down.

"After that, we will speak about Croatia. The most important thing will be the result on Saturday and we need to be disciplined.

"I always speak about discipline and the stupid yellow cards and the stupid fouls, always. I hope there is no need to speak more about this problem."

Meanwhile, Capello remains confident centre-back Rio Ferdinand will be fit for the more demanding test against Croatia.

The Manchester United defender and new England vice-captain has been ruled out of the Andorra clash with a stiff neck.

Capello added: "We won't be sure 100% on Rio Ferdinand because he's not fit tonight. He will not be in the first XI, for sure. He's the only one at this moment who's not fit.

"He will be fit for Croatia. He told me this is a normal injury for him. Usually it takes one or two days maximum. This time it's taking more."

West Ham defender Matthew Upson is favourite to deputise for Ferdinand with Joe Cole poised to replace the injured Steven Gerrard on the left flank.