Euro 2012 News: Hamstring struck English defender Phil Jagielka set to match against Montenegro
England manager Fabio Capello now has to deal with another defensive blow in squad and once again it is an injury that has taken him. This time the Three Lions will be without another centre back Phil Jagielka.
It has just been confirmed that Jagielka will not be able to participate in the Tuesday Euro 2012 qualification match against Montenegro because of an injury. First medical reports have confirmed that the Everton defender is suffering from a hamstring injury
so rest has been advised.
The Italian boss, Capello has instantly called up Bolton Wanderer’s defender Gary Cahill to replace the injured Jagielka. Jagielka recent form had ensured him a spot in the starting line up for England after the original English duo as the last line of defence
Rio Ferdinand and John Terry had got themselves injured
However both Ferdinand and Terry have returned from their injury which presents them with a chance of re-emergence. Terry has already featured in a match but Ferdinand hasn’t been so lucky therefore he will need to cross his fingers.
Earlier Terry had been suffering all sorts of minor problems; from back to thigh to groin. Still he has recovered now and has been excellent for his club Chelsea. Ferdinand on the other hand picked up a knock on his knee while in training just before the
FIFA 2010 World Cup when team mate Emile Heskey tackled him.
Rumour has it that though the duo have announced their return for England the 64 year old manager Capello still thinks that it is prudent to play his old positions and formations and he may be right. The new English team has gelled together far better than
the last one; having defeated Bulgaria 4-0 in their first match and then obliterating Switzerland 3-1.
Nonetheless with the benching Jagielka, there is a possibility of Ferdinand return as he was also the original captain of the team when early in February, Capello entrusted him with the responsibility. Now he will certainly be tempted to play his best players
out in the field or at least give him a run.
Still the arrival of Ferdinand will bring a problem and that is who will lead the English team. After the absence of Ferdinand Steven Gerrard was handed captain’s yellow armband and he has been delivering for the team impressively.
One thing is for sure Capello will need to have some experienced players in his squad so that he can bring out an experienced team after the departure of the Golden Generation which is already in process.
In this aspect defence of the Three Lions will be a crucial department to handle. Jagielka had provided the team with experience as well as quality especially the show he represented against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
The 28 year old defender has just made 6 caps for England but it seems the future promises much more for him. In the end it is expected that the intricate problem will be solved because of the captaincy situation that means if Ferdinand gets the final nod
he will be allowed to play and if Gerrard stays the captain for the match then of course Cahill will be the man to feature.
Earlier the Liverpool skipper Gerrard had commented on the issue saying that he would like to retain captaincy. Capello had answered him by saying that issue will be resolved upon the arrival of Ferdinand.
Now that Ferdinand had arrived, Capello announced just hours afterwards that the Manchester United defender and skipper will have his position to lead the Three Lions.
Jagielka has certainly turned the tides for the worst in the English team after he missed the training session at Arsenal’s London Colney complex. It was informed by the officials that Jagielka has pulled his hamstring and therefore will not be able to perform.
The medical team has collaborated that the player is still going under scans and examinations and the amount of time he will be out of play will be announced in a few hours.
Tags: