World Football News: Capello defends his choice to play Gerrard on as Coyle looks to buy in January
After coming under fire from British media and Liverpool’s fitness department due to Steven Gerrard’s injury in England’s 2-1 defeat to France at Wembley in their international friendly matchup, Capello has come out on the defensive. The
English team manager said, "Injuries can happen. We were trying to win the game, he is really important and we had a lot of injuries in midfield. That is why he stayed on the pitch. I will speak with him (Hodgson). But to explain what? Afterwards he will be
either happy or not happy. I know this because Steven is a really important player."
Gerrard’s injury was one of the negatives to come out of the match for England who were absolutely abysmal in their display against France. Andy Carroll on the other hand was one of the bright sparks for England; the Newcastle United striker
did well to compete against the likes of Mexes in the French defence on his debut. However, he was unable to score in the night for England whose only goal game through Peter Crouch late in the second half of the match.
Capello went onto speak about the match saying, "In the first half we played with fear and without confidence. I know these players are at big clubs but the England shirt is different. Absolutely different. We hope it will change. But
for this you need players with experience and ones who have played more games."
England play their next match against Argentina in February next year. Jack Wilshere also sustained an injury during the match, Capello spoke about the young midfielder stating, "I hope Wilshere will be fit for the next game. I spoke to
the young players in the dressing room. They understand the difference between when they play with their clubs in the Premier League or Under-21 compared to this. There is a big difference, both with the pressure and what you have to play against."
On the other hand, Owen Coyle, Bolton Wanderers manager has admitted that he will look to buy in the January transfer window to improve his current squad at the Reebok Stadium. Coyle said, "I would like to freshen things up. I have got
my eye on a couple of players. Finance will dictate if we can do it or not. Our scouts have been out and about around the world and I could reel off a few names but that would only alert our rivals. I would love to be able to bring some in."
Coyle concluded by stating, "We are operating with 19 or 20 players and I believe in all of them. But if we are able to add one or two we would like to do it. When I first came we brought in Stuart Holden in on a free. We signed Vladimir
Weiss and we brought in an unbelievable talent in Jack Wilshere on loan from Arsenal."
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