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- Jul 14, 2009
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Fabio Capello's choices for the World Cup finals
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Video By Adam Marshall, 07/10/2009
FABIO CAPELLO is training his players ahead of the games with Ukraine and Belarus and, despite England's qualification for South Africa, there is still all to play for.
The Italian will not allow any complacency to creep in amongst his squad as he fine-tunes his plans for the finals next summer.
We take a player-by-player look at all those called up for the final two World Cup qualifiers and bracket them as either:
Certs - 100 percent certain to be on the plane to South Africa providing they are fit.
Probables - Likely to be in Capello's party unless their form dips alarmingly.
Possibles - Still some doubt over whether they will make the cut or miss out on the trip of a lifetime.
Let us know what you think about the squad and the individuals and if you disagree with any of our assessments.
Goalkeepers
ROB GREEN (WEST HAM): CERT
The man in possession of the goalkeeper's jersey and it is his to lose at the moment. Avoided a scary moment when handling outside his box against Slovenia. Out to prove he is capable of being England's number one at a World Cup and is getting a bit too much practice for his liking at West Ham. A cert for the squad but can he keep his place in the team?
DAVID JAMES (PORTSMOUTH): PROBABLE
Has largely shaken off the 'Calamity James' monicker with his displays at Portsmouth and has bags of experience. At 39, it would be some achievement to be number one but could be viewed as valuable back-up. Some argue he is not ultra-reliable because of the occasional rush of blood but his excellent display at Wolves was perfectly timed last weekend. His future at Fratton Park and the turmoil on the South Coast are two major issues but could now be on the way to getting resolved.
PAUL ROBINSON (BLACKBURN): POSSIBLE
One of a number of contenders for a goalkeeper's slot in the squad for South Africa. Suffered miserably when losing form at Tottenham but has rebuilt his reputation at Ewood Park. Gary Neville's own goal against Croatia remains etched in the minds of England fans when thinking of Robinson but he actually played pretty well when conceding six at Arsenal on Sunday and warranted a call-up. However, injury has ruled him out which must be a concern.
JOE HART (BIRMINGHAM): POSSIBLE
With Robinson and out-of-form Ben Foster both injured, he will relish a chance of staking his claim for South Africa. Started the season impressively and needed a loan move because he was never going to displace Shay Given at Manchester City. Guaranteed plenty of first-team football and work at St Andrew's and has come through from the Under-21 ranks. Definitely in the shake-up but may need a chance to raise his profile.
Defenders
ASHLEY COLE (CHELSEA): CERT
Some England fans may boo him but there is little doubt he is one of the most accomplished left backs on the planet. Has plenty of big-game experience at both domestic and international level and, at 28, is probably at his peak. Has added more of a cutting edge to his play at Stamford Bridge, scoring a couple of times this term, and is likely to be one of the first names on Capello's team sheet. Hardly any Three Lions supporters would contest his inclusion in the starting XI.
JOHN TERRY (CHELSEA): CERT
England's captain and lionhearted centre back who would run through a brick wall to lift the World Cup. Has overcome slight worries over his Chelsea form now Ricardo Carvalho is alongside him regularly and his display against Liverpool was outstanding. Not only is he a defensive rock but he is an aerial threat at set-pieces and popped up with the late winner against Ukraine at Wembley. Obviously a key figure for his country and what better way to finally banish those Moscow memories with the biggest prize of them all?
GLEN JOHNSON (LIVERPOOL): CERT
His place in the England squad is assured but there are question marks over his inclusion at right back. Doubts persist over his defensive capabilities and some, a little harshly, reckon opponents will identify him as a weak link. Started his Liverpool career superbly and has tremendous link-up skills. Will definitely figure against smaller nations but there may be calls for a sturdier option in the very biggest matches. There is plenty of time for him to show improvement in his weaker areas, even before the finals get underway.
WAYNE BRIDGE (MANCHESTER CITY): CERT
A steady-Eddie and reliable back-up option to Ashley Cole, his former team-mate at Chelsea. Never spectacular but always sound, he is getting the regular first-team football he needs at Manchester City. Will face competition from the likes of Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs further down the line but it is difficult to see him missing out on South Africa, providing he stays fit.
JOLEON LESCOTT (MANCHESTER CITY): PROBABLE
The fuss surrounding his Everton exit was unwelcome and clearly upset his form as his display against Arsenal in the season opener was shocking. Mark Hughes thinks he is the best defender in the country but Manchester City have been leaking goals alarmingly, particularly from set-pieces. Things will settle down for him and there is no disputing his quality. His eye for goal is another string to his bow, as is his versatility, and it is difficult to see him being forced out of the squad. Injury has forced him out of the final two qualifiers which could be an issue.
GARY CAHILL (BOLTON): POSSIBLE
Lescott's injury has opened the door for the Bolton Wanderers stopper and he will be desperate for an opportunity. Capello has been impressed with his work in training and Gary Megson rates him extremely highly. Talk of Manchester United and Milan looking to sign him in 2010 will only boost his confidence and Aston Villa will be kicking themselves for letting him go. The momentum is with him and it would not be a major surprise if he forces himself into the squad, which would be a great tribute to Cahill, Bolton and the oft-criticised Megson.
WES BROWN (MANCHESTER UNITED): POSSIBLE
Injuries have always hampered his progress and that is always in the back of the mind when thinking about him. Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he is one of the best natural defenders around and, when backs are against the wall, he seems to excel - particularly at centre back. There are costly lapses in concentration, however, and his passing is probably not up to international standard. Yet he is versatile and experienced and had his best-ever season when United won the Champions League in 2008, setting up the goal in the final. His first challenge is to stay fit all campaign, his second is to win back a regular place at Old Trafford - then South Africa will be in his sights.
RIO FERDINAND (MANCHESTER UNITED): CERT
A world-class defender at his best and England's best player at the 2006 finals. The only blot on his form is complacency, particularly as this is something Capello has insisted he will not stand for. A sloppy mistake against Holland was followed by an inexcusable lapse in the Manchester derby that threatened to cost United the game. His injury problems should not allow him to coast through games and it probably just needs a run of full fitness to rebuild his confidence levels. The natural choice to partner Terry but he needs to show improvement before next summer.
MATTHEW UPSON (WEST HAM): POSSIBLE
A very good Premier League defender who would relish a World Cup trip and is unlikely to let anybody down. Always solid not spectacular which could be right up Capello's street as far as back-up centre halves are concerned. However, he is vulnerable to the emergence of somebody like Cahill and is far from guaranteed a seat on the plane. His club form at West Ham must be ultra-consistent and he needs to be error-free when pulling on the England shirt.
Midfielders
JAMES MILNER (ASTON VILLA): POSSIBLE
The impressive thing about the Aston Villa winger is he seems genuinely delighted by his involvement at this level. His energetic and enthusiastic performances suggest he is aware how much effort is required to make the step up from the Under-21s, where he has been a permanent fixture. An eye-catching display against Holland promoted his claims but there is still much work to be done. Would probably only be an impact substitute and that could count against him as he is more of a hard-working 90-minute man. However, he is ahead of team-mate Ashley Young in the pecking order at the moment.
FRANK LAMPARD (CHELSEA): CERT
Has not scored as many goals as usual this term for Chelsea but that has not affected his ability to hit the net for England. A vital cog and somebody who has delivered the goods in major tournaments in the past. Always a threat from midfield and capable of settling the tighest of games at the highest of levels, so he is always going to be a vital figure for his country. It will be a major shock if he is not in the starting XI for the first game of the finals and the last.
DAVID BECKHAM (LA GALAXY): PROBABLE
He still divides some pundits but the fans love him and his class is there for all to see. He will be 35 come next summer and it will be a tough test of his stamina if he is heavily involved in South Africa. However, his fitness is excellent and his old pal Ryan Giggs's performances for Manchester United prove age is not a massive barrier. The bigger concerns relate to playing in the MLS and is why Capello has demanded he gets a move to Europe in the New Year. Milan are likely to oblige again and a decent level of consistency in Serie A should be enough to convice his former Real Madrid boss. Worth a place if only for his astute passing and crossing, outstanding application and unrivalled set-piece ability.
STEVEN GERRARD (LIVERPOOL): CERT
One of England's most popular players and a driving force when the chips are down. His two-goal display against Andorra during Steve McClaren's reign proved he will never hide but always come to the fore in difficult circumstances. Last year's Football Writers' Player of the Year said in his acceptance speech he would aim to win it again in 2010, along with the World Cup and the Premier League. The third of those aims is very much in the balance but he will realise this is his big opportunity to get his hands on the golden trophy. Arguments persist over which position he should fill but he is nearly always outstanding and a great asset for his country.
GARETH BARRY (MANCHESTER CITY): CERT
An unsung hero in some respects and the man whose efforts allow Lampard and Gerrard to get forward. He may have been booed at Aston Villa on Monday but his transfer to Manchester City has been seamless in terms of form and the deal has not unsettled him in any way. City's lack of European involvement should mean he is fresh for South Africa and he will need to be to get through a lot of the spade work. Versatile enough to fill in on the left-hand side too and an absolute certainty for the party.
SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS (MANCHESTER CITY): POSSIBLE
Very much hot and cold for his country but capable of turning on the style. Enjoying working with the big imports at Eastlands and his game should improve as the season wears on. However, there is plenty of competition for a place on the flanks and he may miss out in the final reckoning with the likes of Theo Walcott ready to throw his hat into the ring. Needs some excellent displays for his country between now and next summer and has got some convincing to do.
MICHAEL CARRICK (MANCHESTER UNITED): POSSIBLE
Composed and cultured, his style should be ideally suited to international football. However, he has never really shone in the white shirt - even despite all his impressive work at Manchester United. Has only known success at Old Trafford and has justified the eyebrow-raising fee from Tottenham but he needs to replicate this under Capello. His form at the start of the season has been indifferent, at best, and he has been left out at times by Ferguson. A winner in the Champions League against Wolfsburg was perfectly timed but there is still much to do and a threat could arrive from team-mate Owen Hargreaves, if he can get back to his old levels - even if that is a tall order.
AARON LENNON (TOTTENHAM): PROBABLE
Working under Harry Redknapp has helped his game come on leaps and bounds and his progress should ensure a trip to South Africa in 2010. People will always complain about his end product but his blistering pace and growing confidence in taking defenders on mark him out as a tricky customer. The improvement this season is notable and he just has to remain on the same course to become undroppable. Another who is more likely to be an impact sub rather than a regular starter but his right-wing skills are capable of opening up even the strongest of defences. A real form pick at the moment.
Strikers
GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR (ASTON VILLA): POSSIBLE
In sizzling form for Aston Villa and has overcome a difficult spell in terms of his performances at club level. Now back as a regular threat for Martin O'Neill's Midlanders and the spearhead to their attacks. Has pace and a finishing touch that is improving with every passing week. Worthy of a place in this latest squad ahead of the likes of Young and Walcott because he is more of a forward with the option of playing wide or down the middle as a main attacker. Needs to remain in form all season but is looking like a decent shout for inclusion.
EMILE HESKEY (ASTON VILLA): PROBABLE
It would be crueller than cruel to ditch him after all his endeavours in helping England reach the finals. But there is still work to be done for the powerful veteran who is finding younger rivals hitting form at the right time. Loved by his fellow players, the unheralded work he does on the pitch is often overshadowed by a lack of goals and his poor finishing against Croatia did not do him any favours. Must nail down a regular starting spot at Aston Villa, as that move has not been a success yet, and perhaps needs to shed the nice-guy image too. Saying you would accept being dropped is never a good idea.
PETER CROUCH (TOTTENHAM): PROBABLE
His unique style marks him out as an awkward customer for any defence. Always does his best and is capable of doing the business for England and it will be a surprise if he is not in the bench during the finals. Having to scrap for a place at Spurs is not ideal, particularly when even a hat-trick is not enough to force him into the starting XI next time out, but it could well bring the best out of the gangly striker. Must sharpen up his finishing - he will not get a glut of chances at the highest level - but a great option to have.
CARLTON COLE (WEST HAM): POSSIBLE
One of the most-improved players around and West Ham's shaky form does not have hindered his progress this term. A younger version of Heskey with more of a cutting edge and his muscular presence has impressed Capello. With Jermain Defoe injured, he will be keen for a chance to prove his worth again and it is up to him to grab it with both hands. Previous concerns over his drive and desire are being forgotten with every goal and selfless performance and he just needs a goal at international level to further promote his claims ahead of the likes of Crouch, Agbonlahor and Michael Owen.
WAYNE ROONEY (MANCHESTER UNITED): CERT
England's inspiration and a man who needs to prove he is one of the world's best by hitting peak form next year. Now out of the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo at club level, the early signs have been extremely promising as he is looking every inch the big superstar. However, a couple of poor performances last week have prompted the slightest of doubts over his consistency levels, which has been an issue in the past. There are no such concerns with England as he is the top scorer in the European section of the qualifiers and has been truly outstanding. Here's hoping there are no injury scares this time around as a lot of our hopes are based on him being fit and firing in South Africa. The main man and immensely popular with the England supporters.
