England boss Fabio Capello will announce his squad this evening for the friendly against France on Wednesday night.
He has some interesting decisions to make. With numerous players out injured he could call-up some uncapped players.
Experimental
Capello has previously stated that he would select an experimental squad for the France clash.
Yet it looks as though he is being forced into selecting some uncapped players rather than choosing to select them. This is a sign that Capello doesn’t want to change the squad.
Strikers
Capello has a big problem in the striking department. Capello will be without Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe and Bobby Zamora. That leaves England with only one striker who would usually be in the England squad in Peter Crouch. Newly-capped Bolton striker Kevin Davies looks likely to retain his place in the squad with all the injury concerns.
Out
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that star striker Wayne Rooney is ‘unfit’ to play as he recovers from injury and scandal over his private life. Capello is within his right to select the 25 year-old but will respect the Scot’s views.
New
Another player with a controversial private life Newcastle striker Andy Carroll looks set for his first call-up to the senior side. England under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has left the giant striker out of his squad.
The 21 year-old has had a controversial year or so after numerous bust-ups and court appearances. However he has been in good form this season and Capello will overlook his personal problems. Carroll certainly deserves his chance in the senior side and football is about what happens on the field. No is perfect and hopefully he has learnt from his off-field mistakes.
There are also rumours that in-form Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd could receive his first call-up. The 28 year-old has scored 11 goals in the Championship and is helping the Bluebirds mount a promotion bid. An England call-up could help his chances of a move to a bigger club with his contract set to expire in the summer.
Wolves winger Matthew Jarvis could also be given his first chance in the national side. The 24 year-old only made his debut in the Premier League last August and has been in scintillating form this season. Just three years ago he was plying his trade in League One with Gillingham and has came a long way in a short amount of time.
Right-back
Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson is currently struggling with a groin injury. That could open the door for Newcastle right-back Danny Simpson. The former-Manchester United star has impressed for the Magpies this season.
Capello also has the option of selecting Manchester City defender Micah Richards. The 22 year-old has yet to be selected by Capello after being a mainstay of the under-21s, as the big defender has suffered a dip in form in recent months. He has admitted his mindset wasn’t right but is hoping to rediscover his form.
Another option would be Richards’s former under-21 teammate Nedum Onuoha. He is currently enjoying a decent spell on-loan at Sunderland from Manchester City. If he appeared it would be his bow on the international stage.
Lessons
The friendly against France will be ideal for Capello to give the likes of Jarvis, Carroll and Bothroyd their opportunity to impress at international level. It’s also a chance for Capello to learn some lessons about his other players. These lessons could be crucial with vital European Championship qualifiers ahead.
Will Fabio Capello give uncapped players a chance against France?
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