Surprise choices for Brazil friendly squad
Steven Gerrard has been left out of the England squad for Saturday’s friendly against Brazil, following a request by manager Rafa Benitez. However, Glen Johnson is included along with former Reds Stephen Warnock and Peter Crouch. Gerrard joins Rio Ferdinand, Theo Walcott, Emile Heskey, Carlton Cole and Aaron Lennon on the injury list with Capello also deciding not to risk either David James or Ashley Cole, who are not fully fit.
There are recalls for Darren Bent, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, Stephen Warnock and Ashley Young in the 24-man squad for Qatar. Jermain Defoe is also included although there is no place for Joe Cole, whose match fitness is a concern.
Capello has selected Darren Bent – ahead of Owen – for the squad that flew out for this weekend’s friendly fixture in Qatar.
This has to be a disappointment for Michael Owen as barring injury or dramatic loss of form, Emile Husky Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe are expected to be the England manager’s first three choices when he picks his provisional squad in March with Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole vying for the final spot in the 23-man squad.
The likelihood is that Capello will also choose Theo Walcott for South Africa, if, as expected he makes a full comeback from injury for Arsenal this season, with the 20-year-old expected to be both one of the manager’s options on the right-flank and a fifth striker if he needs to be.
“Always two in each position (apart from three goalkeepers),” Capello said by way of explaining how he will construct his squad for the finals. There are exceptions – Walcott is one of those as is James Milner, who is also likely to be included, while the England management remain keen to see whether Owen Hargreaves, who hopes to play again soon, is able to regain his form after such a long injury lay-off due to his serious knee problems.
“You have some who can play in different positions,” Capello said. “Hargreaves played midfield, right-back, can cover a lot of positions. He's versatile.”
Such multi-functional players are rare. Capello has not completely written off Owen’s chances – he’s far too much of a pragmatist to do so – but since his appointment as England manager has harboured doubts about the 28-year-old’s ability to ever completely recover his fitness and form and be considered an effective striker for his country.
THE SQUAD
Foster, Green, Hart, Bridge, Brown, Cahill, Johnson, Lescott, Terry, Upson, Warnock, Barry, Beckham, Carrick, Huddlestone, Jenas, Lampard, Milner, Wright-Phillips, Young, Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Rooney.
Steven Gerrard has been left out of the England squad for Saturday’s friendly against Brazil, following a request by manager Rafa Benitez. However, Glen Johnson is included along with former Reds Stephen Warnock and Peter Crouch. Gerrard joins Rio Ferdinand, Theo Walcott, Emile Heskey, Carlton Cole and Aaron Lennon on the injury list with Capello also deciding not to risk either David James or Ashley Cole, who are not fully fit.
There are recalls for Darren Bent, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, Stephen Warnock and Ashley Young in the 24-man squad for Qatar. Jermain Defoe is also included although there is no place for Joe Cole, whose match fitness is a concern.
Capello has selected Darren Bent – ahead of Owen – for the squad that flew out for this weekend’s friendly fixture in Qatar.
This has to be a disappointment for Michael Owen as barring injury or dramatic loss of form, Emile Husky Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe are expected to be the England manager’s first three choices when he picks his provisional squad in March with Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole vying for the final spot in the 23-man squad.
The likelihood is that Capello will also choose Theo Walcott for South Africa, if, as expected he makes a full comeback from injury for Arsenal this season, with the 20-year-old expected to be both one of the manager’s options on the right-flank and a fifth striker if he needs to be.
“Always two in each position (apart from three goalkeepers),” Capello said by way of explaining how he will construct his squad for the finals. There are exceptions – Walcott is one of those as is James Milner, who is also likely to be included, while the England management remain keen to see whether Owen Hargreaves, who hopes to play again soon, is able to regain his form after such a long injury lay-off due to his serious knee problems.
“You have some who can play in different positions,” Capello said. “Hargreaves played midfield, right-back, can cover a lot of positions. He's versatile.”
Such multi-functional players are rare. Capello has not completely written off Owen’s chances – he’s far too much of a pragmatist to do so – but since his appointment as England manager has harboured doubts about the 28-year-old’s ability to ever completely recover his fitness and form and be considered an effective striker for his country.
THE SQUAD
Foster, Green, Hart, Bridge, Brown, Cahill, Johnson, Lescott, Terry, Upson, Warnock, Barry, Beckham, Carrick, Huddlestone, Jenas, Lampard, Milner, Wright-Phillips, Young, Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Rooney.
