Former England manager Fabio Capello has admitted that it was emotional for him to watch Roy Hodgson lead out the Three Lions in their opening group game of Euro 2012.

The Italian boss left his post with the national team in February following the Football Association's controversial decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy following allegations of racism towards Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

The former Real Madrid coach was forced to watch from the sidelines on Monday when England drew 1-1 with France in Ukraine.

"When England's players ran out against France, of course there was an emotion - I felt it," Capello told the Daily Mail. "England is part of me now. The job was an attraction, the chance to win something after so long. Everybody wants it for this reason.

"That is why it is the job I wanted, that is why it is the job Roy Hodgson, my friend, wanted. It is difficult watching on television when you want to be on the bench of the national team. It is a big difference. The dream is to win trophies, to make people back home happy. I miss it. This is normal.

"This is my squad. They qualified under me and I know many of them so well. It is difficult to accept, but it has happened. England are part of my heart. I worked with the players and the people in the country for four years."

Meanwhile, England are due to take on Sweden in their second Group D clash on Friday.