England World Cup Squad: 3 Weeks To Prove Yourselves!

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

Fabio Capello Calls 30 Players for the England Provisional Squad

It was a press conference full of surprises as England manager Fabio Capello named the provisional squad. The final 23 players will be decided on the 1st of June, 12 days before England take on USA in Rustenburg.

There was no room for Blackburn’s Paul Robinson or Manchester United’s rarely used Ben Foster, but Capello has called up three experienced and consistent goalkeepers. There were no debatable decisions made in this sector.

Only one natural right back made the selection, but the surprise inclusion of Jamie Carragher (who was forced out of retirement), can be used as a back-up replacement for Glen Johnson. Wayne Bridge’s unwillingness to play for England led to the call-up of Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock. The pair will be battling out to be England’s second choice left back as Ashley Cole is an irreplaceable figure in the team.

Tottenham’s uncapped Michael Dawson and captain Ledley King made the provisional squad, but one might be left out for South Africa as Fabio called up 5 centre backs. Finally, there was no room for Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott in the defensive sector.