Who Will Capello Axe?

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

It’s the one million dollar question; who will stay and who will go. 7 names have to be removed from the England squad. On Tuesday all the doubts will be answered as Fabio Capello announces England’s 23 man squad for the World Cup. Some players are almost certain to depart but be prepared for surprises.

The first three players who are almost definitely going to be axed are Scott Parker, Michael Dawson and Stephen Warnock. The trio did not play in either of England’s friendlies against Mexico or Japan. There was no room for Tottenahm’s Dawson as he was up against 4 quality centre backs and Jamie Carragher. Even though he will watch the competition from his sofa, it has been a great experience for him.

Aston Villa’s Warnock was only named in the provisional squad due to Ashley Cole’s fitness. Leighton Baines who was seen as the second choice did not disappoint Capello against Mexico, plus he has more offensive characteristics than Warnock.

The next player to be crossed out is Tom Huddlestone. Despite the Spurs man possessing an amazing passing ability and a killer shot, he is competing against the top midfielders of the Premier League. However, if Gareth Barry does not recover in time Huddlestone could still catch the plane to Africa. Scott Parker wasn’t given time to shine and therefore was clearly not going to make it. Also, many pundits are tipping Michael Carrick to be axed who is not in the best of form. 

The wingers are all battling for a ticket. Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott played well in both friendlies and have guaranteed themselves a place. The third winger to join the race is Joe Cole. He has worked hard, demonstrated motivation and was one of the best players against Japan. His quality, experience and versatility are all factors which please Fabio Capello. I think the biggest surprise on Tuesday will be the exclusion of both Manchester City wingers Shaun Wright-Phillips and Adam Johnson. The first missed the 2006 World Cup and is not at the level of Lennon and Walcott, plus his height is not beneficial to the squad. Adam Johnson’s cut is debatable, would Capello make the right decision selecting 3 natural wingers? Johnson has the spark and flair a team needs from a substitute. But, Gerrard, Milner and Baines are all versatile boys who can play on the left side if needed. 

6 down, 1 to go. Darren Bent. The England manager already made this decision since day 1. Crouch, Rooney, Heskey and Defoe are strikers with different characteristics and have played regularly. 1. Crouch has the aerial threat 2. Heskey has the strength; 2.Defoe has the speed and finishing 4. Rooney is the complete world class striker who is irreplaceable. Bent doesn’t offer anything new up front and won’t be missed.


England’s Final 23 Man Squad

Goalkeepers 

 Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham)

Right Backs

Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool) 

Left Backs

Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)

Defenders

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham)

Midfielders

Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick  (Manchester United),  Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard  (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa)

Wingers

Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Adam Johnson (Manchester City)

Strikers

Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

The decisions will all be revealed on Tuesday. I’ve made my predictions of who will be axed, but what are yours?

16 Notes/ Hide

  1. ahmadreza16 reblogged this from cheekychip
  2. something-wonderful answered: He also said that his ‘original 23’ hadn’t changed through these friendlies, so players’ form meant nothing, Carrick/Carragher for example?
  3. afootballreport reblogged this from cheekychip
  4. infinitekraze answered: i think bent should stay and heskey be dropped. yes, he has strength, but that won’t be enough in the world cup. you need speed and goals.
  5. ishallcallhimfables answered: who’s Michael Baines? I’m guessing you mean the Everton player Leighton Baines…
  6. cheekychip posted this