ENGLAND SQUAD: WILL THERE BE SURPRISES?

Today Fabio Capello will announce his 30 man preliminary squad for the World Cup. We thought we’d take a look at some of the players who we think may surprise us and make the cut.

With the injury to Gareth Barry, there may just be an extra space for another midfielder – especially a defensive one. That could open the door for someone like Scott Parker or Tom Huddlestone. Both have been in superb form for their respective clubs. Huddlestone’s performances against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City proved he can ‘do it’ in big, pressured situations. There will also be a call for Owen Hargreaves to be included in (at least) the 30 man squad. The Canadian born midfielder has only played about 1 minute this season but it may still be worth taking him along. If he can find form, there is no better defensive midfielder in England. Michael Carrick has been a part of the squad for a while and should be the obvious choice to step up. He plays more as a distributor than a ball winner however. With the defensive woes of Ferdinand’s fitness and Terry’s form, a ball winner is a must.

Talking defense… Ledley King seems to have played himself into contention. His knees have found some strength from somewhere and his form for Spurs has been outstanding. He will surely go to South Africa as back-up for Ferdi and Terry. But he may just solve a problem… King has been used as a defensive midfielder (albeit with limited success) in the England setup. He won’t displace either Ferdinand or Terry at the back but could find himself getting game time in the middle of the field. James Milner is another option. It is possible however, that playing him in the middle will limit Lampard’s ability to get forward as Milner is a playmaker himself.

If you ever read our ‘Right Winger Series’ (which we admit is now slightly out of date…) we rated Beckham, Lennon and Milner as the three best choices for England’s right wing spot. Beckham is injured and Milner has been a central midfield revelation so that leaves Lennon as our only pick. His return from injury has been timely. While he was injured, Wright-Phillips and Walcott both failed to take their opportunity to stamp their authority on the number 7 shirt. Ashley Young seems to fly under Capello’s radar but the Aston Villa winger has been putting in some impressive performances – as has Manchester City winger Adam Johnton. We like all three, but there is another player who seems to have snuck into contention. Lennon’s injury provided a golden opportunity for David Bentley – an opportunity he took with both hands. We all know he has ability. He also has had an attitude in the past but Harry’s skills as a man-manager have brought out the best in him. His performances have been world class and when you think that both Crouch and Defoe have a great shout at being in the squad (if not the starting XI), Bentley would be a great option. His deadball skills and accurate crossing will be a valuable asset. Wayne Rooney credits most of his goal scoring endeavors this season to the quality of Antonio Valencia’s deliveries. England could benefit from a Crouch, Rooney, Bentley combination.

We haven’t heard the name Heskey for a while and the lack of movement by the big fellow leaves us wondering if he will make the cut. Heskey has been a starter for most of  Capello’s reign and that may not change. We feel that he has been left behind in the past 6-8 months by Crouch and co. Bent, Cole and Zamora have all been more prolific and seem a better option. Crouch, Rooney, Defoe and Cole would provide England with plenty of options and variety.

Goalkeeper is another sore point for the England boss. Green is the current number 1, but is he ‘special’ enough? To win the World Cup one needs XI great players. Green is solid but we don’t feel that he is ‘great’. Joe Hart, on form, should be England’s number 1. David James and Paul Robinson would provide good cover and experience.

In the end it is up to Capello. Somewhere in the 30 and then in the final 23, we will find someone we feel should be there and someone we feel shouldn’t. Capello has to win the trophy and he can do it his way. The question is: Does he take the tried and tested? Or have one or two players played themselves into the Italians plans? We will find out soon enough.