England Squad To Face Andorra and Croatia

September 4, 2008 by CLDsport

World Cup Qualifiers: England Squad With the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia coming up, it’s time to take a look at the squad.

The biggest stories are the omission’s of Michael Owen, and Jonothan Woodgate - two players who you would arguably expect to see included.

Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick, and Owen Hargreaves are all ruled out with injury, and this has led to Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard being called into the squad for the first time in his career - at the age of 29. A great stroy for him after suffering a career threatening injry only two years ago. It’s fair to say though, that he would not have been included if it were not for injuries.

Capello has laid down the law, at least according to Capello himself anyway. The Italian told the FA website;

“No-one is untouchable, not the captain, the vice-captain, no-one.”

As soon as the squad start to believe this, then we may start to see some improved performances from a very disappointing England side.

A rejuvenation similar to the England cricket team would be much appreciated by fans, but are we likely to see it from the squad Capello has chosen?

There is no doubting Woodgate’s ability, and quite what he has done to deserve being dropped is unknown.

Joleon Lescott is recalled, but is the 26-year-old better than Woodgate? I don’t think so - he’s had a shocking start to the season with Everton.

Rio Ferdinand may also be unfit to play after suffering a stiff neck, and missing two training sessions. In my opinion, this leaves us a little weak at the back with Lescott, Upson and Wes Brown ready to take Ferdinand’s place.

In my opinion, Capello has also made a mistake in leaving Owen out. Fair enough, he is not the same striker he used to be, BUT, he is a proven International goalscorer - unlike Defoe who continuously struggles at this level.

Heskey has an awful goals per game ratio. In fact the striking quartet chosen by Capello have only scored 24 goals between them at International level - compared to Owen’s 40 strikes for his country.

Surely it would make sense to have a proven international striker as back-up, especially with Wayne Rooney struggling with his current form.

Phil McNulty - BBC Chief Football Writer - agrees with my opinion HERE

Full England Squad

Robinson (Blackburn), James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham); Lescott (Everton), Bridge (Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Manchester United), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Upson (West Ham); Barry (Aston Villa), J Cole (Chelsea), Lampard (Chelsea), Bullard (Fulham), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Downing (Middlesbrough), Bentley (Tottenham), Jenas (Tottenham); Walcott (Arsenal), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth), Heskey (Wigan).

FIXTURES:

Andorra v England - Saturday 6th September 2008 - 7.00pm

Croatia v England - Wednesday 10th Spetember 2008 - 8.00pm

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