Fabio Capello to announce England squad for Euro 2012 qualifiers
After England's 4-1 defeat against Germany in South Africa, there were many who believed it would be another manager naming the squad this evening.
But despite the tabloid protests to oust Fabio Capello from his position, the FA have stuck with the Italian, and now expect instant results.
In fact, the first two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland are as much about the England boss rebuilding his tarnished reputation as they are the national side amassing their first points of the qualification campaign.
Under intense pressure to win his first competitive match in charge since the underwhelming World Cup finals, Capello knows that he can ill-afford to make any mistakes with regards player selection.
The England manager is expected to announce his latest squad at 8pm BST this evening, with a blend of youth and experience.
However, Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and John Terry are both ruled out of the qualifying matches because of injury, which could force Capello into calling up several surprise names.
Last week, Manchester United's veteran midfielder Paul Scholes admitted that he regretted his decision not to come out of international retirement for the 2010 World Cup. It's believed that England have asked the 36-year-old to come back to the international fold for a third time, and it's his name on the list which could be the biggest shock this evening.
Meanwhile, Lampard's injury may also pave the way for Jack Wilshere to come back into the senior England side. The Arsenal youngster was originally named in the Under-21 squad, but made his debut in the friendly against Hungary in August.
His Gunners' teammate, Kieran Gibbs, is also expected to retain his place in the England squad after a hugely-impressive debut against the Hungarians last month.
The likes of Wes Brown, Paul Robinson and Jamie Carragher are all unavailable for selection after calling time on their international careers, but West Ham defender Matthew Upson and Tottenham centre-back Ledley King are both poised to get the nod.
Elsewhere, Bobby Zamora is widely-tipped to remain in the England squad for the forthcoming qualifiers. The Fulham striker has been in blistering form for the Cottagers of late, and could even partner Wayne Rooney against Bulgaria next Friday.
But Capello may opt for the 4-3-3 instead, with Manchester City's in-form duo James Milner and Adam Johnson occupying the flanks.
After his blunder in the opening World Cup match against the USA, it's unclear at this stage whether West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green will win his place back in the England squad. The lack of options in this position may tempt Capello to recall the Hammers' number one though.
Either way, it's Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart who will start in both qualifying matches providing he's fit. The 23-year-old has started the season in tremendous form, and is set to be a major asset for England over the next decade.
A victory over the Bulgarians next week in front of a sell-out crowd at Wembley would be a massive relief for the under-fire England manager.
And he'll ensure not to take any risks when announcing his latest squad this evening.
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