Surprise, Surprise! Fabio Capello Names England's 30-Man Provisional Squad

David Beckham is on course to winning his 100th cap after England head coach Fabio Capello announced his 30 man provisional squad for England's friendly against France in Paris on March 26th.

Despite being dropped from the initial England squad against Switzerland, Beckham did enough to warrant a selection after Capello's assistant Franco Baldini scouted the former England captain in Dallas for a Los Angeles Galaxy friendly match. 

"I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad," said Capello when asked about the Beckham selection in the England squad.

"I have had good reports on him from [assistant Franco Baldini], who watched him on Saturday night, and also from his club. I know a lot about David Beckham and what he can offer the team."

While Beckham has fought his way back into the squad, he faces stiff competition from Shaun Wright Phillips (Chelsea) and David Bentley (Blackburn). Following Bentley's solid all-round performance against Switzerland, it seems unlikely that the Blackburn winger will be replaced in the starting eleven for the Three Lions. Wright Phillips' renewed confidence at Chelsea this season also proves to be stumbling block in Beckham's quest for 100 caps.

Perhaps even more suprisingly, two promising uncapped England U-21's made their way into the senior squad for the Three Lions in Theo Walcott (Arsenal) and David Wheater (Middlesbrough).

Walcott, 19, who was initially included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 2006 World Cup roster, now finds himself with an opportunity to win over his critics after putting forth decent performances--particularly against AC Milan in the Champions League for Arsenal.

As for David Wheater, the inclusion of the suprising Middlesbrough centre-back comes as the biggest shock in Capello's provisional squad. Uncapped and untested, one would have to question whether Wheater would be ready to face up to the likes of Karim Benzema and Thierry Henry away from England.

Nevertheless, Wheater has become yet another wonderful success story after growing through the ranks in Darlington, a League Two side, on his way to the English national team.

"It has capped off a really good year for me," Wheater told BBC.

"I didn't think I'd be in the first team at [Middlesbrough]. I was at Darlington last year but I've done well."

On the other side of the pitch, Newcastle skipper Michael Owen could potentially see some playing time after impressing Capello during Newcastle's match against Birmingham City on Monday. Portsmouth loanee Jermaine Defoe has caught fire under Harry Redknapp and has registered six goals in six appearances. Liverpool's Peter Crouch also earns a spot despite playing second-fiddle to Spanish sensation Fernando Torres for much of the season.

Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) and Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) round out the list of remaining strikers left at Capello's disposal.

Under heavy competiton to win a spot in the provisional 30 man team, many England hopefuls were denied the opportunity to represent their home country in Joe Hart (Manchester City), Robert Green (West Ham), Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Ledley King (Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Phil Neville (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Dean Ashton (West Ham), and Aaron Lennon (Tottenham).

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will undoubtedly be missed as he is considered by many critics in England to be the best avaliable passer of the ball across the length of the pitch. For an England squad that has had a history of struggling with their passing ability, the omission of Carrick is one that will raise a few eyebrows amongst the English fans.

Another interesting sidenote will be how Capello manages to co-ordinate the possible partnership of Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool). The two superstars have been revelations for their respective club teams but have failed to emulate their success at the international level together as a tandem. There is always a distinct possibility of Capello dropping Lampard in favor of a more suitable partner such as Owen Hargreaves or Gareth Barry. 

England Provisional Squad 

Goalkeepers:

David James (Portsmouth)

Scott Carson (Aston Villa)

Chris Kirkland (Wigan)

Defenders:

Wayne Bridge (Chelsea)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)

John Terry (Chelsea)

Wes Brown (Man Utd)

Joleon Lescott (Everton)

Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)

David Wheater (Middlesbrough)

Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham)

Matthew Upson (West Ham)

Midfielders:

Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)

Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

David Bentley (Blackburn)

Joe Cole (Chelsea)

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea)

David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd)

Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)

Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham)

Forwards:

Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

Peter Crouch (Liverpool)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

Michael Owen (Newcastle)

Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth)