Fabio Capello has in the last half hour named his 30-man preliminary England squad, the biggest omission being David Beckham, who is not considered match-fit for what would have been his 100th cap. Granted, he is not playing competitive football at the moment (or even when MLS restarts depending on who you speak to) but if there is anyone who consistently gives his all for his country and deserves this milestone it’s surely David Beckham. The ‘door is still open’, to use a cliché, but I hope Capello does not regret in the future what must be an unpopular decision with the fans.
The other surprising, perhaps bordering on ridiculous decision is the continued omission of West Ham’s Rob Green. Even though Paul Robinson has also lost his place in the squad, Chris Kirkland has been called up ahead of a keeper performing fantastically week in week out at club level. It would seem from this that David James is set to become number one choice, and after his quite brilliant performance at Old Trafford last night I see no reason why it should not be James’ time. At the same time I cannot for the life of me explain why Rob Green is not his number 2.
The name that jumps out from players that have made it is Aston Villa’s Curtis Davies, a player who by his own admission has not had the best or most consistent of seasons. The squad is still to be whittled down of course, but even with John Terry missing through injury I cannot see Davies really threatening the starting line-up. Matthew Upson also gets the call, after a solid first half of the season with West Ham. Elsewhere, Emile Heskey returns to the strike-force after his brief spell towards the end of McClaren’s reign, so good luck to him aswell.
A mix of regulars and form players then, with only 15 out of the 30-man squad made up of the fantasy league ‘form’ players I listed yesterday making the cut. Dave Kitson may feel most aggrieved by this, having missed out, but I for one would not class him at international level. I am glad Crouchy keeps his place, as does Michael Owen, rumoured earlier to be unincluded. Despite being on a poor club run, Michael Owen will always score goals at international level. How does the saying go? Form is temporary…
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