Fabio Capello last night revealed the debt and responsibility he feels he owes the England fans - and vowed to do everything to make South Africa the Three Lions' “Lucky 13th” World Cup.

Capello and his provisional squad are in the Austrian Alps ahead of the final two warm-up friendlies with Mexico and Japan, before the Italian culls his initial 30 down to his final 23 players.

But the Italian admitted for the first time just how aware he is of the burden he carries in representing the millions of fans who have helped make him feel like an honorary Englishman since he arrived in this country at the start of 2008.

And Capello promised his only goal is to give the supporters what they have craved so long, and end the long history of England failure on the biggest stage.

Capello said: “For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to manage the England team. It came true for me more than two years ago and right from that moment all my focus has been on the World Cup.

“As a club manager, I took my teams into important finals, important tournaments.

“But even with the likes of AC Milan and Real Madrid, we were representing just one city.

“With a country it is different: you carry the expectations of an entire nation with you. It is a big responsibility but it is an even bigger honour and something to make you very proud.”

In 12 previous World Cup adventures, England have under-achieved.

The legends of 1966 remain immortalised in English football history but that aside there has been just one semi-final, under Bobby Robson in 1990 and a handful of quarter-final disappointments.

Capello, however, is convinced things can be different this time, allowing him to wipe away the memories of his own previous taste of what the World Cup means.

Writing in the foreword to “Three Lions Versus the World”, by BBC Radio Five Live presenter Mark Pougatch, Capello added: “My recollection of taking part in the World Cup is not a good one and I hope to change that.

“I was part of the Italy squad that travelled to West Germany in 1974 and we went out in the first round.

“It should have been the ultimate sporting moment for me but it was one of the lowest points.

“I hope to create new memories with England. This new chapter of England at the World Cup - perhaps it could be lucky number 13.”

And Capello insisted that delivering on his promise will be the perfect way for him to say thank you to the supporters, throughout the whole of England, who have made him realise just how much football means in this country.

The England boss said: “I have been made to feel very welcome in England since the first moment I came here.

“I have travelled to watch games up and down the country and the people I meet are fantastic. My life in football and away from the job has been perfect.

“The affection I have for this country and everyone I have met here will stay with me once we are at the World Cup.

“You have to keep in mind those who are supporting you, who follow you everywhere you go.”

For Capello, this week’s first altitude base-camp in Irdning represents his opportunity to demonstrate, once again, how he can bring players together to make sure they are at their optimum when it matters.

Spurs striker Jermain Defoe explained: “If you look at what has happened under the manager, the longer we’re with him, the better we’ve played. And now we’re talking about being with him for eight weeks if we can stay out to the end of the tournament.

“It can be difficult, especially when you have a friendly. You’ve only got a couple of days to prepare. You can’t do what you want to do in training.

“But the longer you get as a manager with your players the more you can work on your shape and your tactics, making sure you get them right when it matters. And it’s worked. The campaign went well and the results were what we wanted.”

And Capello added: “I am looking forward to South Africa, when we will have the chance to have the team together for a long period, like a club environment.

“It will be a big challenge but one I will relish, having waited such a long time to have this opportunity.”