England look better for battle, Kevin Davies and Robert Green receive surprise invitations (Part 1)
Many English fans were disappointed that after Three Lions dismissive performance in FIFA 2010 World Cup, England were not blessed with a new coach. Now that they have to show their support for the Italian, Fabio Capello; they
will be thinking if the veteran has learnt from his mistakes.
They will be banking on Football Association’s decision when they reassured trust in the 64 year old manager by giving him another shot, but this time at the Euro 2012.
All fans can hope for is that this Capello’s renewal is a surprise in disguise and the promises he has made are kept till he retires from the post in 2012. England’s national coach faces a tough job to reestablish good public relations
with his fans after he lead the Three Lions on a poor World Cup campaign in South Africa.
England started their World Cup campaign with a draw against rookies, United States of America at 1-1. Their next match was against Algeria that ended in a goal less draw.
The following fixture was against Slovenia which England finally won 1-0 to take them to the last 16 stage. However the final came early for them as their next match was against Germany. Though the match got classified as one of
the most controversial matches in history, England were defeated by their rivals 4-1.
This ended the English campaign as the hopes and dreams of the nation got shattered. In the end all the king’s horses and all the king’s men weren’t able to gather the pieces of English dignity in front of their fans.
Critics questioned the sanity of FA while fans lambasted against the reappointment of Capello. With the Euro 2012 qualification process approaching fast Capello had a lot to prove, and prove he did.
In the first match against Bulgaria on 3rd September England completely obliterated the Bulgarian defence as Tottenham Hotspur player Jermain Defoe scored a hat trick making the Wembley Stadium stand on their feet.
The next match was against Switzerland; it seemed that England were up to make all the amends that everyone was expecting from them. They continued their onslaught and defeated the Swiss 3-1.
Now the qualifiers are up again and Capello is heading a couple of changes. For instance he has introduced Bolton Wanderer’s striker Kevin Davies. This will be Davies’ first ever call on International duty in his professional career.
He previously did make two appearances for England in Under 21.
Apart from Davies there is another person that has been called up in the squad and it is the 30 year old West Ham United goal keeper Robert Green. His recall comes after the tragedy in which the ball slipped from his hands into
the goal after a strike.
The surprise appearance among youngsters is made by Jack Wilshere of Arsenal. The recent form of the prodigal 18 year old player has impressed many footballing gurus.
These men have been called up in the squad of England for the next match against Montenegro for Euro 2012 qualification on 12th
October.
Star English defender Rio Ferdinand has also been called up in the list. This will be the first time of his reemergence since he injured his knee in a practice session when team mate Emile Heskey tackled him before the start of
the World Cup.
However Ferdinand’s call up will create an issue that was left half axed from the last time. It was whether Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard should stay as captain of the English team after the original captain from the World Cup
has returned.
The last time this issue came up the legendary Red midfielder Gerrard stated that he would like to retain the captain’s band even after the return of Ferdinand. Capello’s response was that it was a matter that could be decided
later upon. News on the issue has just flown in that Capello wants Ferdinand to remain as captain just like when he chose him earlier this year in February.
Other relatively new names that are included are Aston Villa’s defender Stephen Warnock. Warnock’s arrival in the English camp is because Arsenal’s youthful 21 year old defender Kieran Gibbs is struggling with his fitness.
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