Capello looking at options

England boss Fabio Capello has named his squad for the friendly with Brazil next Saturday. He has a long injury list to deal with with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard all struggling with recent problems.

Sure of most players

The Italian is obviously sure of most of his squad but there is still a slight possibly of grabbing a place on the plane for next years World Cup. There are a few positions where cover is needed.

A striking issue

I think the striking position is an interesting issue. Wayne Rooney is the first choice but after that there are lots of strikers competing for the other three striking spots in the World Cup.

Capello has preferred Emile Heskey as Rooney’s strike-partner in recent months but hes currently injury and before he got injured he couldn’t get into the Aston Villa team. West Ham striker Carlton Cole has a similar style to Heskey and like Heskey is currently injured. His form this season has been superb, having scored six goals in eleven games so far this season.

Then there is Peter Crouch. He has a fantastic strike rate at international level but it seems he is better used as an impact substitute. I prefer Crouch to Heskey because he scores goals. Heskey may offer a great work-rate and link play but hes a striker and strikers to me are there to put the ball in the back of the net and Heskey hardly does that.

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has also received a recall. He has been in decent form this season but I’m not convinced by the former Spurs star. He has pace to burn but he flatters to deceive on too many occasions. I doubt Bent will be able to grab himself a place in that World Cup squad.

Jermain Defoe is a must have in the squad for me. He is a natural goalscorer and on his day I do think hes a match-winner. He is a good pacey player who can come on and nick a goal. I don’t think Capello will start with the him but hes a useful squad player.

Absentees

If England are to win next years World Cup midfielder Joe Cole will be key to that success. He is the player that can produce that bit of something different. Hes sheer class and full of tricks. The fact that he has only just came back from injury must have entered Capello’s head but I would have put him in the squad anyway.

Manchester United striker Michael Owen is another absentee from the squad. Capello has already stated that he will pick players on form and only if they are playing regularly. Owen cant get a regular first team place at United at the moment. If hes going to get into the squad he will need to gain a regular first team spot at Old Trafford and hit a real hot streak of goalscoring form. Unfortunately for the former Liverpool star I don’t think he will be on the plane to South Africa.

Chances

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone has received his first call up. Its a strange one considering hes not in the best of form but he gets his chance anyway. When all the injured players return I don’t think the young midfielder will get into the squad. However its always good to have options in every position and with his passing ability he is a decent option to have.

Left-back options

With Ashley Cole out injured its a good opportunity for others at left-back. Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock has been called up to fill the void and could make only his second appearance for the Three Lions. Wayne Bridge is the other challenger for the spot but in his last game for Manchester City he was woeful. I would go for the dependable Warnock, who has made a solid start to his Villa career.

Strong Squad

England have a strong squad when everybody is fit and healthy. Some of the players involved in this squad will miss out on the final 23 man squad for the World Cup but a good performance against the great Brazilians might just change Capello’s thinking. However hes a hard man to please and he probably has a good idea of his squad already.