International Friendly: England versus France
Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson will be given their first international chance with the English football squad when England take on France at Wembley on Wednesday. This was revealed by England boss Fabio Capello. Young Arsenal Left-back
Kieran Gibbs will also get his first start with the English national team.
Newcastle number 9, Andy Carroll has been given the nod from the Three Lions manager after the 21-year-old made a strong start of the Premier League season. Initially, it was believed that the man from Newcastle will be over looked after
picking up a groin injury.
Carroll sat out the training session on Monday but the fears were eased as the youngster joined his national squad this Tuesday.
Sunderland midfielder, Jordan Henderson is expected to start with Carroll and Cardiff striker Jay Borthroyd has also been given a chance and is expected to come off from the bench.
"He is okay, he is fit, he will play tomorrow," Capello said of Carroll. "He will start with the first XI like Henderson and Gibbs. Three young players - it will be very interesting for me to see these players play against a really important
team like France."
The England squad has been hit with injuries therefore Capello has been forced to make a lot of changes in the squad. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is out for 3 weeks with an ankle injury while Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and John
Terry are also out for three weeks. Arsenal’s youngster Jack Wilshere, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and Everton’s Centre Back Phil Jagielka are also missing because of injury. Phil Jagielka missed the training session after being struck down with fever
and Joe Hart limped out during a training session.
"Wilshere is going home because he will not be fit for tomorrow," Capello said. "Jagielka has flu but we think he will be okay tomorrow. With Hart the doctor is waiting to decide what really happened, but we don't think it is such a big
problem for him."
Jermain Defoe, the Tottenham marksman is also a long term absentee for club and country after getting a knee surgery last month.
The biggest surprise of Fabio Capello call-ups is the inclusion of Cardiff City striker Jay Borthroyd who received a surprise call from Fabio Capello. The 28-year-old was once an Arsenal striker and was kicked out of the club ten years
ago after he angrily threw the club shirt at Coach Don Howe for being substituted in the academy playoff final.
The then 18-year-old was then moved to Coventry and the downward spiral of his career started as he played for Perugia, Blackburn, Wolves, Charlton and Stoke without settling down anywhere. Then Cardiff City came calling and the youngster
finally settled at the Championship side after finding his top form. The 28-year-old joined Bluebirds in August 2008 and this season has seen the striker score 15 goals after changing his attitude both on and off the pitch.
Borthroyd admitted that he made a lot of wrong choices when he was at Arsenal and has seen a lot of downs since then but is willing to make the most of his opportunity to represent England.
The striker was surprised at the call-up and is willing to enjoy the chance rather than being overawed by the occasion. The 28-year-old added his pleasure at being able to train with some of the best players in the world. He further added
that the championship division is more of a hustle and bustle but knows that in this level (International), he has to step up his game a further notch to show his worth in front of the Italian manager Fabio Capello.
England take on France at Wembley on Wednesday.
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