London, Mar. 31 : England soccer star Frank lampard has welcomed coach Fabio Capello's decision not to allow WAGS (wives and girlfriends) near the players before and during games.

He believes that Capello's shock-and-awe campaign has helped England to win nine of their 12 games and another victory against Ukraine at Wembley tomorrow will move them a step closer to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Capello's set-up is a far cry from the 2006 World Cup - when the WAGs outshone the players - and the failed attempt to qualify for last year's European Championships.

"When Fabio came in, a lot was made about the WAGs and a lack of caring," said Lampard.

"The lads always wanted to win, but there was an element of truth in a lot of what was said. We just needed someone to put us in line a little bit and concentrate on what we are doing. Looking back, Fabio was exactly what we needed as a manager. We needed someone who is very strong. He brought in off-the-field discipline in terms of how we dress, going to dinner and what happens in the hotel," Lampard added.

"In football terms, we needed a very strong leader who had his own mind and you can see that with Fabio," said Lampard. (ANI)