World Football News: England vs. France Pre-match Analysis
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England:
This is an assessment of future prospects for England’s manager, as senior squad withdrawals have allowed young guns to leave an impression for the Three Lions.
The Three Lions veteran left back and centre back, John Terry and Ashley Cole will miss this encounter due to injuries which they suffered during recent Barclays Premier League matches. In addition to that, Gabriel Agbonlahor will also not feature in this match
due to the ankle injury he suffered few days ago.
However, the England manager, Fabio Capello has named Bolton Wanderer’s Gary Cahill, West Ham United’s Carlton Cole and Wolves’ Stephen Warnock, to replace the above three injured players.
Moreover, the Three Lions veteran attackers, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Tottenham Hotspurs’ Jermain Defoe, will also be going to miss the crucial game against France, as both of the strikers are suffering from ankle injury. The
injuries to the strikers has prompted Fabio Capello to hand a debut to Newcastle’s young striker Andy Carroll, who just happens to be in red-hot form.
Fabio Capello also announced that Arsenal’s left back Kieran Gibbs would start along with another new boy Jordan Henderson.
France:
Roma’s Philippe Mexes would miss an exciting encounter against England and Tottenham’s Kaboul has been called up by Laurent Blanc as Mexex’ replacement.
One of the shocking inclusion in France squad was Barcelona left back Eric Abidal, who is been called for the first time since FIFA World Cup.
Moreover, there are quite a lot of players in French squad who play in Premier League, which includes the likes of Chelsea’s Flourent Malouda, Spurs’ Kaboul, Arsenal’s Sagna, Clichy and Samir Nasri. These all players are in contention
for a starting eleven spot.
Loic Remy, who has been very impressive in this season, would start in front for Les Blues.
Settling of old scores in battle of the young ones
Last time when England welcomed France was back in 1999. Moreover, England has not beaten France since 1997.
With a fresh look to England’s squad, perhaps an answer to people calling for an overhaul in the team, the manager has combined youth with uncapped players. Fabio Capello also picked Bothroyd which is perhaps the most shocking addition by the Italian.
Bothroyd said: "Once you get a taste you want to do well and stay in. If I am involved on Wednesday it will be another great day for me."
After being picked by Fabio Capello for England’s squad against France, Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson said: "It's a great opportunity for me and a few of the younger lads to show what we can do. I'll do everything to try and take that chance.”
While commenting upon Eric Abidal’s addition in squad against England, the French national team manager said: "He has played very often recently and to become a regular at a club like Barcelona is no mean feat. He is still a player who can play a
major part in the French starting XI."
Les Blues have won three of the last five meetings, and always seem to find an extra gear against England.
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