Football Update: England’s Coach, Capello Announces English Squad
The England team is always a source of fascination, even for those who support purportedly better quality international teams. It is for this reason that England’s manager, Fabio Capello's latest squad for the friendly against Hungary has created so much excitement. It is also fascinating to sift through the squad to gauge what must be going through the wily Italian's head, as he plots to bring England out of its misery.
The old guard may not have been dismantled but there have been plenty of changes to get excited about. Frank Lampard, John Terry and Steven Gerrard remain, despite their names being linked with under-achievement at international level. All three players are luminaries at club level, having won numerous awards and scooping just about everything that there is to offer. All three players have also been consistently at the top of the charts at club level in terms of their contributions. Yet despite such glowing achievements to fall back on, these well remunerated players have done nothing to light the imagination at international level. Despite Lampard and Gerrard's low key performances at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, more importantly, despite Terry's attempt at a coup in the aftermath of the Algerian match, all three remain.
The list of casualties includes two keepers in the shape of Robert Green and David James, Matthew Upson, Jermaine Defoe, Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Ledley King and Aaron Lennon. Defoe's exclusion is surprising given it was his goal against Slovenia, which capped off England's qualification. Crouch was never given a chance, while Joe Cole could not make much of the little time he was given. Aaron Lennon has been axed given his anonymous displays in South Africa but will be confident he can regain his place with time and circumstances on his side.
Of the players included, the most (un)surprising selection is that of Jack Wilshere, who is one of three Arsenal players to be selected for the squad. Wilshere has been rewarded for his brilliant pre-season so far with the additional benefit that he is being touted as England's next best thing. Joining him from the North London club are left back Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott. Gibbs will be looking to cement his place in the squad behind Ashley Cole, while Walcott will be raring to regain the form that helped him become very important during the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Another significant inclusion is that of Bobby Zamora who has been rewarded for a brilliant season for Fulham last term, when he led to the final in the Europa League, when they lost to Athletico Madrid. Joining him on the list of big men is Carlton Cole of West Ham, a recent reported target of Stoke City.
Adam Johnson and Darren Bent are also included in the squad after missing out on the flight to South Africa. Bent who was prolific with Sunderland last term admitted recently he could have retired but chose to fight for his place in the international arena and has now been rewarded with a chance to stake a permanent berth in the English squad. Johnson was deemed not ready to go to the World Cup by Capello but the Italian now feels that the Manchester City winger can learn and bring plenty to the table.
Finally, Michael Dawson, Gary Cahill of Bolton Wanderers and Paul Robinson of Blackburn Rovers are also in the squad. Robinson returns to the international fold after once being the England number one, while Cahill earns his place after some eye-catching displays over the last few years.
All in all, it is an interesting squad, full of experience and youth. Capello has retained some of the old heads in order to be the beacon for the younger guns. It is hoped that his mixture will lead to renewed competition and a real national vigour to play better quality football in the future.
Tags: