Paul Robinson has pulled out of the squad with a hip injury and will be replaced by Joe Hart. Gary Cahill has been called up in place of Joleon Lescott, who has been withdrawn because of a calf problem.
Michael Owen had the perfect opportunity to give some food for thought for Capello, when he was picked to start for Manchester United against Wolfsburg in the Champions league game at Old Trafford last week. With an onlooking Capello, it would have been a golden opportunity for Owen to put himself in the manager’s mind. Alas it was not to be as Owen limped off after 20 minutes and will be out for a further two weeks. That he has not figured in any of England’s qualifying games and consequently is down the pecking order for selection, it is unlikely he will get a chance. That is not to say it will not happen for him, but the circumstances would have to be extraordinary and Owen would have to be fit.
Others not in the squad include Joe Cole, Theo Walcott, Owen Hargreaves, Jermaine Defoe. They are either injured or not match fit after long injury. These players will however be in contention as at the time of writing they are returning for their clubs. All being well they will be pushing for places for 2010.
No great surprises in the squad, except Ben Foster does not make it, and Agbonlahor returns for the injured Defoe. It should be remembered that we have got to this stage without sorting out the midfield, mostly due to injury to Joe Cole. Perhaps it is time to give James Milner a start in the left side of midfield?
