England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008: John Terry Excluded from Initial Squad

Fabio Capello has kept England captain John Terry out of his 30-men primary squad for the Switzerland friendly. The match will be held at the Wembley Stadium on 6 February. John Terry has been injured for last few weeks and missed out some of the important matches of Chelsea. However, he has been reportedly in rehabilitation and is expected to come back in action soon. However, Capello did not want any injured player in his squad. The match against Switzerland is the first match for Capello in charge of England. Capello has not even talked to Terry about it, which brings out the typical character of Capello, who is reluctant to grow closer relationship with the players.

Times Online reported:

Terry would have liked to attend to cement his place in the England set-up as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken foot, but is philosophical about his treatment by a manager renowned for ignoring injured players and a general lack of sentiment.

Terry has had no contact with Capello other than a brief handshake in the directors’ box at Goodison Park last week during the Carling Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Everton, but remains hopeful of retaining the captaincy in the long term when he returns to fitness.

In the absence of John Terry, Capello is reportedly going to give the Captain’s armband to Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard. Capello will cut short his 30-men squad to 23 after today’s premier league matches. It is yet to see if he shows any more surprise in his 23-men squad. Earlier, Capello excluded former captain David Beckham, refusing his 100^th cap for England national team.