Fabio Capello believes that Franz Beckenbauer's damning criticism of the England team is because Germany are scared of meeting them in the World Cup.

According to sources, the England manager, who has a good relationship with Beckenbauer, has not taken the attack too seriously and merely regards it as an attempt to put more pressure on him.

Beckenbauer had dismissed England as a "kick and rush" team who had gone backwards under Capello "into the bad old days". He also attacked the Premier League and the dearth of English players and said he didn't believe Capello could do much to improve things.

England may play Germany in Bloemfontein on June 26 if they fail to win Group C and the Germans top Group D and it will be Beckenbauer's comments which will offer most incentive to Capello and his side if they do. There is no history of bad blood between Capello and Beckenbauer and, indeed, last month the German, who won the World Cup as a player and a coach, praised the Italian's style of management.

Sources claimed that Capello, however, was not surprised by the outburst and, in some ways, regards it as a compliment. "They are scared of us because we can crush each other," one source said on Tuesday night.

Indeed Capello believes that the only reason to explain Beckenbauer's criticism – which, in truth, runs contrary to the football England have played under their manager for the past two years – is that Germany are worried about England as rivals to win the competition.

In that sense it may be an attempt to raise the pressure on England, but Capello will not be overly concerned about it.

England defender Matthew Upson was also dismissive of Beckenbauer's taunts.

"He's entitled to have that opinion,'' said Upson. "Let them shout. You can talk as much as you want. It's all down to what happens on the pitch. Obviously we want to be as entertaining as possible but I don't think we're a long-ball team. We've been working hard on trying to be more possession-minded. We come from a league which has such a big transition in possession all the time compared to other leagues."

"When you come to a tournament like this it's very different. The other night, it was more of a Premier League type of game: the ball was in the air for large amounts, a lot of headed challenges between centre-half and centre-forward, people picking up knock-downs in midfield. It's something we probably need to improve on.''

Wayne Rooney finding top gear – and the back of the net – will help and Upson expects England's No 10 to click into action quickly. "It'll happen. His movement's great, he's a class player and he's totally gifted. He just needs to relax, play his game and the goals will come.''

With Ledley King injured, Upson hopes to be chosen as John Terry's partner in Cape Town ahead of Jamie Carragher, who was caught out for speed by Jozy Altidore. "We haven't had a race,'' said Upson of his Liverpool rival. "Perhaps we should. I'm deceptive. I might not look as if I'm that quick, but I can cover the ground. I am desperate to play my part.''