England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008: Michael Carrick out of England 23-man Squad

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been left out of England’s final 23-man squad for this week’s friendly match against Switzerland. The news came as a surprise to Carrick. He has found him out of the squad within 48 hours of his inclusion in the 3-man squad. Moreover, Carrick is only high profile player to have been out of the squad as Capello cut short his squad to 23. Michael Carrick can be hopeful with the assurance of Capello that the players failed to make it to the squad will be monitoring closely as he is working towards the competitive matches when England begins their world cup qualifying matches.

Telegraph reported:

Carrick, however, will not be pleased. He began yesterday as a top of the Premier League player and ended the day in second after his side's 1-1 draw against his former Spurs team at White Hart Lane and Arsenal's 3-1 win at Manchester City. Then, hours later, he discovered that he had lost his recall to the international team.

This is going to be the first match of England since their defeat to Croatia on the last qualifying match of European championship, which ended their hope to get the ticket of EURO 2008. So, England must try their best to regain their form and status with a victory over Switzerland. This is the first match of Fabio Capello in charge of England. So, there are pressures on Capello as well. So, I think, he should be given some independence in player selection as he knows it well that who would be effective with his tactics and plans.

England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008: Gabriel Agbonlahor Doubtful for Switzerland Match

Gabriel Agbonlahor, the young striker of Aston Villa has picked up a hamstring injury during Villa’s match against Fulham in a premier league match. Agbonlahor was one of the four players included in the final squad of England for the friendly match against Switzerland. It was the first time, the youngster made it to the England squad. He felt the injury just before the half time and could not come back after the break. Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has already admitted that he is almost out of the friendly match.

BBC reported:

"I would like him to join up with the squad but overall his chances of playing are pretty minimum," he said.

"He was fouled just before half-time and felt his hamstring," O'Neil added.

"It is quite sore at the moment and he went out just after the break to try and run it off and felt it so we didn't take any chances.

"Of course he is disappointed. It was a boost for him to be called up and had been thoroughly deserved.

"He may well still travel to meet up in the party we'll have to see, but as for playing that's unlikely I think."

No doubt, it is big blow for England. Earlier, two more important players: Emile Heskey and Ledley King were left out of the squad with injury. With the injury of Gabriel Agbonlahor, the striking position of England would be affected. Among the three other strikers, Wayne Rooney is now in good form. Newcastle striker Michael Owen is completely out of form, while Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is now up to the mark. So, England front line seems to have lack of balance. England fans now pray for Agbonlahor so that he can recover from his injury soon and appear for England against Switzerland.

England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008: Four Aston Villa Players into England Squad

England coach Fabio Capello has unveiled his final squad of 23 for the friendly match against Switzerland. Emile Heskey, the Wigan Striker has been out of squad with an injury. Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King has also been sidelined with an injury. However, Aston Villa is very happy as four Villa players have been included in the squad of 23 for the friendly to be held at the Wembley stadium.

The only Villa player left out of the final 23 was Curtis Davies, who has not played any match for England. However, Capello has assured the left out players that they are still part of his plan and their performance will be monitoring closely in future. So, Curtis Davies should not feel bad for the exclusion. The players of Aston Villa got into the final line up are on loan goal keeper Scott Carson, Gareth Barry, striker Gabby Agbonlahor and midfielder Ashley Young. Gabby Agbonlahor is now the only uncapped member of the England side. So, you can see what the mystery of Aston Villa behind their superb form in premier league this season.

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David Beckham Seeing the End of the Road?

David Beckham issue is still in the headlines of the newspapers. His exclusion from the England squad for Switzerland friendly was one of the much-talked issues of world football in the last few days. England boss Fabio Capello was fully criticized for not including Beckham in the squad. It would have been his 100^th match for England. So, public sentiment is also in favor of David Beckham, who left England for United States to join the preseason practice of his club L.A. Galaxy, after the news of his omission came out.

Recently, the report came out that Football Association used Beckham’s image and popularity to sell the tickets of a seemingly insignificant friendly match against an unrated opposition Switzerland. Even the sponsors of FA are also disappointed with the activities of FA ahead of the match.

Sunday Mirror reported:

The spokesman for a leading England sponsor said: "I think the FA have been left with red faces over this.

"They have sold a lot of tickets on the back of Beckham.

We were told by the FA, as were other sponsors, to get plans in place but we were hanging around all week waiting to discover if he was in or out.

"I think it's disappointing. I think he did enough for his country to be included."

Capello will not be bothered that his ruthless approach to selection may have caused embarrassment at Soho Square.

Well, I think, this would not be fair to think that Fabio Capello would never consider David Beckham in future. Capello has said that lack of match fitness was the reason behind the exclusion of David Beckham. I think, it would be turned into positive for Beckham. Suppose, he was included in the squad and given a chance in the match, at least as a substitute, as part of the token of tribute for what he has done for England, and he could not play well, then do you that it would have been better for his career. No, it would not. I think, David Beckham still has a lot to give for England and I will be happy to see Beckham in the next world cup. So, David Beckham should put everything back and try to prepare himself for the next matches of his club as well as for England. I think, Beckham will come back in England squad.

England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008: 23-man England Squad

England manager Fabio Capello has cut short the 30-men squad to 23 for the upcoming friendly match against Switzerland. The match will be held at the Wembley Stadium on 6 February. Capello was criticized widely following the declaration of 30-man squad earlier with some notable omissions including former captain David Beckham, Tottenham Hotspur goal keeper Paul Robinson, Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell and West Ham United goal keeper Robert Green. David Beckham could play his 100^th match for England, if he was included in the side.

However, there is no more surprise in the 23-man squad for the friendly match against Switzerland. Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King and Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey has been ruled out of the final line up due to injury. There was possibility that Heskey was going to be ruled out of the 23-man squad, however, King was played very well and he was almost certain to make it to the final line up. Fabio Capello also admitted that King had impressed him in the domestic matches. However, he did not speak anything about Emile Heskey.

England’s newly appointed coach made it clear that those who could not get into the final line up were still part of his plan. Capello has not declared the name of the captain who will lead England on Wednesday’s friendly. He will declare the captain on Tuesday, just a day before the match. May be he wants to see the progress of the players and the ability of leadership during these days. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is reportedly the most likely candidate for the role of England captain. Capello also said that he would not appoint a captain permanently until England begins their world cup qualifying matches in September. During this time, he wants to run an experiment giving the leadership to different players so as to find out the perfect man to appoint for the role permanently.

Aside from Ledley King, three more defenders were left out of the final squad for the friendly match. They are Nicky Shorey, Glenn Johnson and Curtis Davies. It would have been the debut match for Curtis Davies if he was included in the 23-man squad. With his exclusion, Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is the only new face in the squad. Capello has kept the striking line up unchanged except Heskey being ruled out with injury.

Three goal keepers have been kept with the question to whom the England goal keeping globes to be given in the friendly match against England. Portsmouth goal keeper David James is reportedly the most likely to stand in the England goal post. Among the midfielders, Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing have failed to make it to the final line up.

I think, England squad seems to be balanced. I thought, Michael Carrick could have been kept in the 23-man squad for the first match of England under Fabio Capello. Anyway, it is Capello who will be responsible for any result of England side. So, he should be given the freedom to take the decision regarding the squad because he knows very well who will be effective with his plan and tactics. Now, let us see if England can appear with an imperious form and emerge victorious at the Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 spectators. So, do not miss the match as it is going to be an exciting match.

England 23-man squad:

Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Liverpool on loan at Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic)

Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)

Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Wayne Rooney, (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool)

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25 Things about England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008

If you want to get the online live score and updates of England vs Switzerland friendly match then visit the following links:

England vs Switzerland: Live Score and Live Updates

http://techblogbiz.blogspot.com/2008/02/england-vs-switzerland-live-score-and.html

England and Switzerland are going to face each other in a seemingly insignificant match at the Wembley stadium. However, the reality is that the match is very important for both teams. Even fans are also excited with the match. England failed to qualify for the EURO 2008 competition being defeated to Croatia in the last qualifying match of EURO 2008. That defeat made the whole England shell-shocked as after many year England failed to get into the continental tournament of Europe. So, they need to regain their status as one of the football powers in the world and this friendly match is the stepping stone of that.

Switzerland, in contrast, does not have anything to regain in the match. Rather, they will try to increase their confident by winning the match ahead of the EURO 2008 competition. Switzerland is not considered as one of the football power house in world football. The Switzerland must try their best to come up with a satisfactory result at the Wembley stadium.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see the match. All the tickets have been sold out already. So, if you have not managed your ticket, then no chance is left for you to get into the stadium to experience the match. Anyway, you can watch the match on your television or you can get the online live score of the score and text commentary of the match.

I have given 25 things about this match that you may find useful for you. The 25 things are given below:

1. England vs Switzerland match will be held on 6 February 2008, Wednesday
2. The match will be held at the Wembley Stadium which is one of the largest stadiums in the world in terms of seating capacity.
3. This is the second largest stadium in Europe with 90,000 of seating capacity.
4. England vs Switzerland friendly match will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Five Live. The highlights of the match will be aired on Sky Sports on the same day.
5. This is going to be the first match of Fabio Capello in charge of England national team.
6. For England, it will be first international match since their heart-breaking defeat to Croatia in the last match of qualifying round of EURO 2008, which ended their hopes to play in the continental tournament.
7. David Beckham has been ruled out of England squad with what his hope to win 100^th cap for England has been delayed.
8. Capello pointed out lack of match fitness as the reason behind Beckham’s omission.
9. John Terry has been ruled of the squad as he is yet to recover from his foot injury.
10. Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey will not be able to play the match as he has picked up an injury during Wigan’s last night match. He was in the 30-men squad of England.
11. Fabio Capello has been widely criticized for not including West Ham United goal keeper Robert Green and former captain David Beckham.
12. Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is the only member of England’s revised 23-men squad, who has not played any match for England.
13. Two Swedish players of the squad are also playing in English premier league: Philippe Senderos playing for Arsenal and Gelson Fernandes playing for Manchester City
14. England vs Switzerland match will be telecast live on Fox Soccer Channel for the football fans of USA. The match will be bought on live for the fans of Canada Fox Sports World.
15. Among the 23 members of Switzerland squad, only five are now playing in Switzerland clubs. All the others are playing abroad, meaning Switzerland has enough strength to throw hard challenge for England.
16. In the England 23-men squad for the friendly match against Switzerland, four Aston Villa players have been included.
17. Steven Gerrard is expected to captain England in the match as regular captain John Terry has not been picked up in the squad due to his injury.
18. Capello has said that he would give the leadership to several players in order to find out the best person to lead England when competitive matches will begin later this year.
19. Switzerland includes three goal keepers, seven defenders, ten midfielder and three strikers in the 23-men squad.
20. England has featured three goal keepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and four strikers in the trimmed-down squad for the friendly match against Switzerland.
21. Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn has been in charge of national team since 2001. So, he is much more experienced than his England counterpart Fabio Capello.
22. However, in overall managerial career, Capello has much more success than Jakob Kuhn. Capello was in charge of AC Milan twice, Real Madrid twice, Roma and Juventus in his illustrious coaching career.
23. Interestingly, both Capello and Kuhn played international match for their countries.
24. Switzerland is the co-host of EURO 2008. So, this will try to win the match in order to lift their confidence level up ahead of the tournament.
25. You can find out some links of websites from where you can get the live streaming of the match here.

England vs Switzerland is more than a friendly match to both sides. They will take on each other with a view to winning the match. A victory at the Wembley stadium would boost up their confidence ahead of their future schedule. So, the match is significant for England and Switzerland even though it is a friendly match.

England vs Switzerland Friendly 2008: Emile Heskey to Miss the Friendly Match

Emile Heskey will not be able to take part in England’s friendly match against Switzerland at the Wembley stadium. The match will be held ion 6 February. The Wigan Athletic striker was sidelined during Wigan’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United as he picked up a nerve injury. Now, it is clear that Heskey has already been out of England’s first match under their new coach Fabio Capello.

AFP reported:

Capello is due to name his trimmed-down squad for the Wembley clash on Saturday night but Latics manager Steve Bruce confirmed Heskey would not be able to link up with the group.

Bruce said: "He's got a nerve problem, I think. It's just a continuation of the big fella being out for three or four months because he is getting niggles, pulls and strains all the time."

England coach has already named the 23-men squad for the friendly match against Switzerland. Earlier, he was named 30-men squad in which he kept Emile Heskey. So, it is a bad luck for the striker that he missed out the match. However, England has some more friendly matches in the coming months. So, Heskey should not put his head down. Rather, he should keep himself fit so that Capello can reconsider him in future.