England boss Fabio Capello has thanked Slaven Bilic for providing the team-talk ahead of their World Cup qualifier.

Capello's men can qualify for South Africa with victory against the side that denied them a place at Euro 2008 – but there is the added incentive of proving Bilic wrong after he began the mind games this week.

Bilic has suggested that England have lost their "Englishness" under Capello, which the Italian feels has motivated his squad.

"Thank you Mr Bilic," Capello said. "It is the best. I have no need to motivate my players after this. It's fantastic assistance."

Capello has also warned Bilic that his side have improved since their 4-1 win in Zagreb last season, when Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick.

"In Croatia we played very well and won 4-1," he said. "We played a lot of good games for qualification and won seven games, improving in every game."

There will be no Walcott at Wembley due to a side strain. It means Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Beckham are competing for a place on the right flank, with Lennon seen as the favourite to start.

In attack, Jermain Defoe has scored five goals in three substitute appearances, but Emile Heskey's physical presence could give him the edge in the fight to partner Wayne Rooney. And should Croatia provoke Rooney and attempt to ignite his hot temper, Capello is confident the Manchester United forward can restrain himself.

"I think, if I remember correctly, with me Rooney only once did a bad tackle," Capello said. "Provocation means nothing for Rooney."

When England won in Zagreb, Capello suggested his players were happier away from Wembley but they have not lost at home under the Italian.

"The last games we played at Wembley we won," he said. "This is important. Now we play with more confidence."