So Fabio Capello has named his preliminary England squad for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa and, as ever, there are a number of surprise inclusions and omissions, none more so than the inclusion of the previously retired Jamie Carragher. One can only wonder what it was that Capello said to persuade Carragher to come out of international retirement. Keeping in mind the reason that the Liverpool defender quit the national side was due to him being annoyed at playing second and sometimes third fiddle to the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King, would he really come back into the fold to fulfil the same position of backup in South Africa? With the only natural right back in the squad being Glen Johnson, it appears Carragher has been called up as a full back who can also play in the centre. Question marks still remain over Johnson’s defending so don’t be surprised if the comeback begins with a start against the USA on June 12th. One thing is for sure though, he will be on that plane. Capello would not through all the trouble to get him out of retirement to drop him at the last minute.
Some would say Ledley King is another surprise selection - the Tottenham defender last played for his country in 2007 - although watching his performances this season, he is most definitely in there based on merit, whilst finally proving to his critics that he can play more than one game a week. King’s team mate Michael Dawson is also in there, despite not yet being capped by his country, after forming an excellent partnership at the heart of Spurs’ defence this season as Harry Redknapp’s men achieved Champions League qualification. Out of form for club and country Matthew Upson really is fighting for his place on the plane, and will be looking to impress should he get an opportunity in any of the upcoming friendlies. Behind the defenders there are no real surprises as - to Sam Allardyce’s disapproval - Joe Hart is selected in favour of former number one Paul Robinson.
The biggest decision in midfield was the selection of Gareth Barry ahead of Owen Hargreaves. Both are currently unfit with Hargreaves just returning from a long standing knee problem whilst Barry is currently carrying an ankle injury that will keep him out until just before the tournament. I believe the right decision was made here simply because Hargreaves has played just 1 minute of football in 19 months and cannot possibly be expected to be at full fitness come June. Wingers pose the only true selection problem for the Italian. He needs to pick two between Lennon, Wright-Phillips and Walcott. I’ve never been a massive fan of Walcott on the wing due to his final delivery not being good enough but I believe he will (just) get the nod over Wright-Phillips who in my opinion will be watching the tournament on the tv back home. Despite an excellent end to the season since joining Manchester City, I don’t think there will be any room for Adam Johnson in the squad while Tom Huddlestone will only get a chance should Barry not prove his fitness in time. James Milner should be as much an automatic choice as Frank Lampard at the minute whilst Michael Carrick seems to be a favourite of Capello’s.
No surprises up front as Darren Bent joins the usual suspects in Rooney, Crouch, Defoe and Heskey. Personally I would have preferred to have seen Gabriel Agbonlahor in there instead as he offers electrifying pace when coming off the bench but I can’t see anyone getting ahead of the usual four anyway so I expect them to be dead certs to travel.
This is who I believe Capello will take with him:
Goalkeepers: Hart, James, Green
Defenders: A Cole, Baines, Carragher, Johnson, King, Upson, Ferdinand, Terry. (I would prefer Dawson to Upson, but I think he will go with the experience)
Midfielders: Lennon, Walcott, J Cole, Milner, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Carrick
Strikers: Heskey, Rooney, Crouch, Defoe.
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