Capello Names His First England Squad

Fabio Capello has picked his first England squad. Of course, the headline news is the omission of David Beckham due to the fact Becks has not played any competetive matches lately. The door has not been closed on Beckham getting his 100th cap at some time in the future.

Capello said: "The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November.

"When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in America we will look closely at him again."

Paul Robinson has also been left out. David James looks like the senior goalkeeper. Interesting, because there was a time it looked like James had played his last game for England when dropped by Sven Goran Eriksson.

A 30 man squad has been chosen. To be wittled down to 23 on saturday. Here are the lucky ones.

Goalkeepers:
David James (Portsmouth)
Scott Carson (Liverpool on loan at Aston Villa)
Chris Kirkland (Wigan)

Defenders:
Wayne Bridge (Chelsea)
Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Curtis Davies (West Brom on loan at Aston Villa)
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)
Nicky Shorey (Reading)
Wes Brown (Manchester United)
Joleon Lescott (Everton)
Micah Richards (Manchester City)
Matthew Upson (West Ham United)
Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders:
Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur)
Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United)
Joe Cole (Chelsea)
Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea)
David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)

Forwards:
Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic)
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
Michael Owen (Newcastle United)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Peter Crouch (Liverpool)

Posted at 9:04 PM, Thursday, January 31, 2008

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6 Comments

Hey, here's a thought: I've just reviewed both matches England played against Croatia during their previous qualifiers; remind me now, why does Carson get an edge over Robinson?? ;)

By goldark, at 10:02 PM

Carson actually plays for his club team!!!!

By Anonymous, at 12:29 AM

OK well, judging by your comment, it's good to know that football (at least as far as the English dimension is concerned) is far from a meritocracy. But hey, good to know that the team is in good hands, huh?

By goldark, at 1:13 AM

Owen in, but Beckham out? It's not like Owen has played alot either.

By joeyl, at 1:35 AM

Good blog, Do you want to see some barmy Endlish fans singing and taking the mick out some Germany fans about the war. It is even in Germany!

By A Huddersfield Town Fan's Blog, at 5:59 PM

http://www.oleole.com/blogs/footbollocks/posts/will-becks-make-it

well... here's a bit of a different take on the 100th cap thing, although one really has to wonder now.

By Anonymous, at 6:28 PM

GAMBLOG UK - WE ARE ENGLAND - Capello Names His First England Squad

Capello Names His First England Squad