England manager Fabio Capello has named his squad for the money spinning friendly against Brazil, scheduled for November 14th in Doha. A few notable names are missing, while a couple of the Italian’s selections and omissions may raise eyebrows.
Faced with a raft of injury withdrawals Capello has turned the spotlight on a number of players currently performing well for their club sides, recalling Jermain Jenas, Darren Bent and Stephen Warnock back into the international fold.
Fresh Faces at the Back
In defence Stephen Warnock gets the chance to add to his solitary cap (won against Trinidad and Tobago in 2008). The left sided former Liverpool player has performed well for Aston Villa this year as the Birmingham based side have stormed into the top six of the Premiership. Warnock will provide solid cover for Wayne Bridge in Ashley Cole’s absence.
Joleon Lescott and the uncapped Gary Cahill of Bolton get the chance to prove they are worthy contenders for a place in the World Cup Squad next year. Lescott will be looking to win his ninth cap, while the combative Bolton man will hope to make his England debut against the South American Champions.
Spurs Duo look to Impress Capello in Midfield
Capello has called up Jermaine Jenas and uncapped Tom Huddlestone of Tottenham to bolster the midfield options. Huddlestone has looked impressive for Spurs this season and is an ever present under Harry Redknapp. Capello will be hoping the youngster can showcase his visionary passing game against Brazil. Michael Carrick of Manchester United is also recalled to the squad as the manager attempts to improve England’s ability to retain possession.
In something of a surprise move Capello has chosen not to recall the effervescent Joe Cole. The Chelsea man has looked in fine form since returning recently from a long-term cruciate injury. Yet the Italian is insistent that only those fully fit will be making the trip to Qatar. David Beckham has been provisionally included though he may be forced to withdraw should his LA Galaxy team advance in the Major League Soccer Play-Offs tonight.
Bent Returns to Bolster the Attack
Darren Bent will look to add to his four caps after being recalled by Capello. Bent has scored eight league goals this season and is the leading English scorer in the Premiership. He will be keen to erase the memory of his last England performance when he fell in front of an open goal against Germany in 2008. Bent will join Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch (both Tottenham) and Wayne Rooney in attack.
Some Big Names Left Out While Others Withdraw
Joe Cole is not the only former England stalwart to be ignored by Capello. Michael Owen, who could only manage four minutes as a substitute against Chelsea, joins him on the sidelines. Owen has only managed four goals in fifteen appearances this season for Manchester United and it is clear that Capello is unconvinced by Owen’s recent form. He has stated repeatedly that players need to be performing regularly for their club sides to guarantee selection and Owen’s role as a substitute for Alex Ferguson’s side is clearly doing him no favours.
Like Martin Johnson, his Rugby Union counterpart, Capello has been forced to juggle his pack due to numerous injury withdrawals. Rio Ferdinand, Aaron Lennon, David James, Steven Gerard, Ashley Cole and Carlton Cole are all currently suffering from injuries. Heskey is also unavailable due to injury, though it would have been interesting to see if the Villa player’s selection could have been justified, considering how regularly Capello has referred to the importance of playing regularly. The Aston Villa striker has made only five appearances in the league this season and has failed to score in any of them.
Brazil Represent a Chance for England to Test Themselves Against the Best
The game in Doha will represent a significant challenge for this somewhat makeshift England line-up. The Brazilians are a class above the opposition faced by Capello’s team in qualifying and it remains to be seen if England can raise their game. The three times England have faced genuinely world class opposition under the Italian they have went down to defeat twice, against France and Spain respectively. The recent 2-2 draw with Holland, while creditable, highlighted England’s continuing tendency to gift goals to the very best international sides.
The Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (Manchester United), Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Birmingham City).
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Manchester City), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas (both Tottenham Hotspur), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner, Ashley Young (both Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).
Forwards: Darren Bent (Sunderland), Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe (both Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).
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