England vs Switzerland 2008: England Squad

England vs Switzerland match is now the center of all attention. This is just a friendly match and it would have been natural if there were not as much excitement available with the match as it is now. Actually, the match is very much important to both the teams, but for different reasons. Switzerland could see it as a practice match ahead of the EURO 2008 competition, while for England, the match has a significant value, despite the fact that England could not qualify for the EURO 2008 competition.

For England, it is going to be the first match under their new coach Fabio Capello, who took over from Steve McClaren, following England’s humiliating defeat to Croatia in the last match of qualifying round of EURO 2008, which ended their hope to book their place in the continental tournament of EUROPE. So, England needs to go through rehabilitation in order to regain their form.

England vs Switzerland friendly match will be held at the Wembley Stadium on 6 February. Fabio Capello has recently declared the 30-member England squad for the match. There are some notable decisions taken which sparked some criticisms as well.

The first of all, David Beckham has been left out of the side, considering his lack of match practice as it is now the off season in Major League Soccer in America. So, he practiced with the reserve teams of Arsenal in order to get his 100^th cap for England though the upcoming friendly. However, he could not impress Capello, under whom Beckham played in Real Madrid. Capello had reported talked to David Beckham before taking the final decision. Capello cleared the reason of his exclusion from the squad and confirmed that Beckham is still part of his plan and will be considered in future when he will be playing for L.A. Galaxy.

Apart from Beckham issue, there are some other unexpected decisions taken by Capello. West Ham United Goal Keeper Robert Green has been overshadowed by Capello, which was unexpected to many as Green has been in good form this season. Capello included Wigan Athletic goal keeper Chris Kirkland in the squad that also sparked a question if he is better than Robert Green. Wigan Athletic has conceded many goals this season. The omission of Jermain Defoe was though well-received as he has not been in great form with Tottenham Hotspur this season. The exclusion of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand could make it to the squad because of their fitness.

There are two new faces in the squad. Curtis Davies is one of them. The inclusion of Curtis Davies, Aston Villa defender, also came as a surprise as he had first team appearances only five times with Aston Villa this season. Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King has played only three matches in premier league, but Capello thought he could be effective for the friendly match against Switzerland.

In the up front, Capello has included Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has been handed his first national team call up because of his impressive performance this season. Michael Owen was given a chance despite the fact that he has been out of action this season with Newcastle United. Wayne Rooney, Heskey, Crouch were not unexpected in the squad.

Well, at last I would like to say that though there are some unexpected calls and exclusions, I think, it is a balanced side. Fabio Capello is person who is now dealing with England team now. So, he may have his philosophy and technique regarding the squad. He must know who can be effective with his plan. So, let him go on with his plans and see if Capello can bring back the golden time of England in the field.

England squad

Goalkeepers: D James (Portsmouth; 37, 35), S Carson (Aston Villa; age 22, caps 2), C Kirkland (Wigan Athletic; 26, 1).

Defenders: W Bridge (Chelsea; 27, 27), W Brown (Manchester United; 28, 14), A Cole (Chelsea; 27, 61), C Davies (Aston Villa; 22, 0), R Ferdinand (Manchester United; 29, 64) G Johnson (Portsmouth; 23, 5), L King (Tottenham Hotspur; 27, 19), J Lescott (Everton; 25, 4), M Richards (Manchester City; 19, 11), N Shorey (Reading; 26, 2), M Upson (West Ham United; 28, 7), J Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur; 28, 6).

Midfield players: G Barry (Aston Villa; 26, 16), D Bentley (Blackburn Rovers; 23, 2), M Carrick (Manchester United; 26, 14), J Cole (Chelsea; 26, 47), S Downing (Middlesbrough; 23, 16), S Gerrard (Liverpool; 27, 63), O Hargreaves (Manchester United; 27, 39), J Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur; 24, 17), S Wright-Phillips (Chelsea; 26, 18), A Young (Aston Villa; 22, 1).

Forwards: G Agbonlahor (Aston Villa; 21, 0), P Crouch (Liverpool; 27, 24), E Heskey (Wigan Athletic; 30, 45), M Owen (Newcastle United; 28, 88), W Rooney (Manchester United; 22, 40).

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