England Squad Preview: World Cup Qualifying Returns

Fabio Capello will announce his latest England squad this weekend as England prepare to resume their World Cup Qualifying campaign. The Three Lions first face a friendly at Wembley against Slovakia on Saturday 28 March, before they welcome Ukraine in a World Cup Qualifier on Wed 1 April.

In the goalkeeping department Capello is believed to have been highly impressed by Ben Foster’s performance in the Carling Cup final, in which the Manchester United ‘keeper saved a penalty to help his side to shoot-out success. However, the Italian has previously gone on record stating that he will not consider players for selection if they are not in regular action for their clubs, which could put paid to Foster’s chances.

Whereas David James’ place as number one is under little or no threat, Rob Green and in particular Joe Hart will be sweating on retaining their places in the squad. Hart has had to make do with a place on the bench since Shay Given’s arrival at Eastlands and looks likely to miss out as a result—but should find himself involved at Under-21 level.

Chris Kirkland appears to have put his injury problems behind him, missing only three games all season, and looks most likely to take Hart’s place. Capello, however, was at Upton Park to see Scott Carson keep a clean sheet on Monday, but this probably won’t prove enough to earn a first recall since making that blunder in Germany last November.

In terms of defence, barring injury Capello should be able to call on the same names he chose last month for the Spain match. Despite being stretchered off on Monday night, Matthew Upson’s calf injury is not believed to be too serious and he should recover in time. If not, then Joleon Lescott and the in-form Jonathan Woodgate will look to take advantage.

Rio Ferdinand and captain John Terry are both fit for selection and Phil Jagielka should be retained despite a wobbly performance against Spain last time out.

Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge will fight it out for the left-back spot as usual, whereas on the right-hand side Glen Johnson will look to make the position his own as Wes Brown continues to be absent through injury. Micah Richards could press for a call-up but looks more likely to be involved with the Under-21s, meaning Luke Young could retain his place in the squad after he was forced to withdraw through injury last month.

Midfield looks to be the area which will provide Capello with the biggest headache, especially the right-midfield position. Theo Walcott has successfully returned from his shoulder injured sustained whilst last on international duty and Aaron Lennon has hit a rich vein of form as he presses for a first call-up from Capello and a first cap in what will be exactly two years.

Shaun Wright-Phillips should retain his place having played 90 minutes in Seville, and David Beckham is expected to keep his place as well having successfully negotiated to extend his stay at AC Milan until the end of the season. Therefore, Lennon looks unlikely to get the call and Ashley Young will find his place under great threat and could miss out with Walcott returning.

James Milner, a late selection last month, should find himself back with the Under-21s and Steven Gerrard returns from injury to join Lampard, Barry and probably Carrick in battling for the starting central midfield berths. Jermaine Jenas and Scott Parker look likely to be selected only in case of injury.

Up front Wayne Rooney is also back having missed the defeat in Spain through injury and will take his place in the squad and looks set to continue his fruitful partnership with Emile Heskey. Jermain Defoe is still injured and Michael Owen is a long shot for inclusion having only recently recovered from an injury which kept him out for six weeks.

This leaves previous selections Peter Crouch, Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Carlton Cole fighting it out with Darren Bent for the last two striking spots. Agbonlahor in particular is struggling for form whereas Cole missed his chance to impress in front of Capello on Monday night through suspension which again rules him out of this weekend’s fixtures.