As noted in my previous blog when Fabio Capello announces his 23 man squad for the World Cup in South Africa only seven of those spaces will have caused a few headaches and sleepless nights for the calm Italian. Added to the fact that Capello himself has said he will only take four strikers with the squad, spaces on the plane next summer will be as hotly contested as they have ever been. So just who will make the World Cup squad? Will there be any famous exclusions? Another bold decision leaving out a national favourite? When Glen Hoddle ignored calls from the media to pick Merson and Gascoigne for World Cup 1998 it surprised many in the game, after all these two players had been some of England’s most exciting players in the domestic game. Another possibility is ignoring younger talent for more experienced heads, such an act a turning point in the career of the once huge potential Matt Jansen, ignored by Sven in 2002 after a great spell of form at Blackburn, who knows how far the skilful left sided midfielder could have gone if he was in the squad and that hideous crash in Rome never would have happened.
Here are the 16 players I believe Fabio Capello has already put on that list (excluding any injuries):
1) Ben Foster (Capello regular, decent England career to date.)
2) Robert Green (Again a Capello regular, in top form for West Ham and their number 1)
3) Glen Johnson (England’s best right back, great for club and country in recent years)
4) John Terry (The ever present John Terry, Captain for club and country)
5) Rio Ferdinand (Despite questions over form and fitness Rio still has the talent to do well)
6) Matthew Upson (An unsung hero, played well for England when called upon, Capello rates him)
7) Ashley Cole (England’s starting left back for years, always features and has improved)
8) Wayne Bridge (Never fulfilled his potential, held back by Cole at national and international level)
9) Gareth Barry (In great form for Man City, Barry has become one of England’s best players)
10) Michael Carrick (Keeps it simple, good player, another of Capello’s favourites)
11) Frank Lampard (One of England’s finest players for decades)
12) Steven Gerrard (‘Nuff said. World Class)
13) Shaun Wright-Phillips (Nimble winger who now back at Man City will only develop more)
14) Wayne Rooney (England’s main threat going forward, hasn’t produced to date)
15) Emile Heskey (Hard worker even if not prolific enough. Makes chances, Capello’s favourites)
16) Peter Crouch (Offers something different to England, big and skilful, 18 goals in 37 caps)
Writing such a list is much more difficult than I had imagined, but Fabio Capello is a man who seemingly sticks by his word, and I believe the players he has decided will be playing next summer shall be. But who will take the other seven spaces?
17) David James
David “Calamity” James had, until the Brazil match, been an ever prominent figure in Capello’s England sides. Experienced at international level and despite his well known flaws James has been a trusted goalkeeper when called up. With a difficult season for Portsmouth ahead and most likely busy matches every league game there will be so shortage of practice for the veteran shot stopper and I imagine him to board the plane as England’s third keeper pushing for the starting place.
18) Wes Brown
A successful domestic career with Manchester United has not brought all of the glory of a budding international career Wes Brown might have expected. Although a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson’s at Manchester United Brown has always played second fiddle behind Gary Neville at right back and has struggled to establish himself as a starter, indeed who knows how much of an improved player Wes Brown could have been if he had moved away from Old Trafford? Although this does go against him Brown is seemingly liked by Capello and his versatility to play at either centre back or right back will make him a good choice for the squad and I expect to see him in the England squad next summer.
19) Joleon Lescott
Since joining Everton Lescott’s career has gone further than he could possibly ever imagine. A great season last year brought Lescott into the England squad with discussion over whether he could even force his way into the starting XI. Although he hasn’t had such a great start to the new season I expect Lescott to be in the England squad with the powerful centre back also able to fill in at left back if needed.
20) David Beckham
Mr England himself HAS to in my eyes be in the England squad. In great form for the Galaxy and heading back to Milan next year for another loan spell despite his Beckham will always play his best for his country. Although he won’t start and has never been a player to cause danger by taking on players Beckham is, and has been, the best deliverer of the ball in the world well over 10 years. He’s played in 3 World Cups and 2 European Championships so his experienced head will also bring benefits when it comes to controlling the younger players.
21) James Milner
Has turned his promise shown at Leeds and Newcastle to a new level, becoming one of England’s best young players. Milner not only has the ability to run at defences, take on players and cause danger but he is also able to produce high quality balls and is able to use both feet. Has played well for England, coming on against Holland he produced a fine performance setting up the England equaliser and against Brazil he was one of England’s few good points. I fancy Milner is pip Villa team mate Ashley Young into the England squad.
22) Theo Walcott
Capello’s decision to only take 4 strikers to South Africa is one that will help Walcott’s chances of making squad. Able to play out wide or upfront Walcott not only has the potential to cause problems for the best of defences with his lightning pace but can also grab the goals needed, as shown by his famous hat-trick against Croatia. As long as Walcott can find some of his form on his way back from injury in an Arsenal squad playing great football Walcott should be on his way to his second World Cup.
23) Jermaine Defoe
On great form for Spurs, Defoe’s promising start to the new season has seen him come right back into the England squad after somewhat of a wilderness. I expect to see Defoe beat off the challenge from other strikers such as Carlton Cole and Gabriel Agbonlahor as Capello looks for a striker with deadly place AND the finishing ability. Although his scoring ratio might drop over the season I’m certain we will see Defoe pulling on the white top for England at South Africa.
Those who missed out:
· Paul Robinson (England’s once number one will just miss out, unlucky for such a good keeper)
· Gary Neville (Once England’s best right back injury and age have caught up with Neville)
· Gary Cahill (Still learning his game, there is no doubt he has a huge England future)
· Stephen Warnock (Good at the domestic game but England’s 3rd best left back)
· Ledley King (A top player but Capello will only pick fit players, something King has never been)
· Phil Jagielka (Not back until the new year, will be beaten by ex-team-mate Lescott for last place)
· Micah Richards (Only 21, has been in the shadows, will miss out behind versatile Brown)
· Jermaine Jenas (England currently has an abundance of players in his position)
· Aaron Lennon (Too many similar players, Capello seems to ignore)
· Ashley Young (Milner’s technical ability will place him ahead of the more skilful Young)
· Stewart Downing (Played well against Germany but versatile wingers will get the places)
· Carlton Cole (In the form of his life, but Capello will favour Crouch and Heskey)
· Michael Owen (Not enough playing time at United and will never find his old form and ability)
· Gabriel Agbonlahor (Pace and passion cannot be questioned, not prolific enough)
· Darren Bent (Despite his form will be behind Defoe, wasted chance to shine against Brazil)