London - Fabio Capello is relishing the chance to test his mettle against one of the world's best sides as he prepares England for their friendly international against Spain in Seville on Wednesday.

The Italian watched his team beat Germany in their most recent outing but a contest against the European champions will give him a real indication of how far England have come and how far they still need to go to be competitive at the 2010 World Cup.

"It's very important because it is a different style of play," Capello said.

"Against Germany they were the runners-up in the European Championship (but) I'm very interested in this game because Spain play fantastic football, very quick. But we are strong and I think England will be strong in Spain.

"I am very confident in my team, I have big confidence."

Capello will not be able to field his first-choice XI, however. Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott are all missing through injury, allowing others to stake their claims for starting places.

Emile Heskey is also doubtful, which means that Carlton Cole, whose recent form with West Ham United caught the manager's eye, could yet receive a surprise starting berth.

"Cole gets better and better in every game," Capello said. "His movement and his strength impress me.

"When he is in front of goal he has to be calmer. Sometimes he is too fast and he wants to shoot too quickly. But he is young - he is interesting."

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Peter Crouch may be above Cole in the pecking order, but a more familiar face is likely to capture much of the attention.

Former captain David Beckham, recalled to the squad after impressing Capello for AC Milan in his loan spell with one of the manager's former sides, stands ready to make his 108th appearance.

That would equal the record for outfield appearances held by former England captain Bobby Moore.

Whoever Capello decides to pick, though, he and his players will have to deal with a hugely talented and confident Spain side, whose strike force is likely to be led once more by Fernando Torres.

Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in Euro 2008, is back in goalscoring form for Liverpool after injury and is relishing the chance to score some bragging rights over some of his Premier League opponents.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "A Spain-England match is always a big spectacle even if it is a friendly.

"For me it will be a very special game with several colleagues from Liverpool in the teams and others from the Premier League.

"I hope things go well and I score a hat-trick." (dpa)