Capello remains tight-lipped ahead of Belarus clash
"One for the future" James Milner could feature for England against Belarus
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By Richard James. |  |
Wednesday, 14, Oct 2009 10:30
By Michael Younger.
Fabio Capello remained tight-lipped on his squad selection, ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Belarus at Wembley.
With England having already qualified for the finals in South Africa next summer and Belarus unable to progress past the qualifiers, the clash looks set to be one to restore some pride for both teams, whilst Capello could be forgiven for giving some of his fringe players a run out.
Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney are both ruled out of the clash after returning to their parent clubs, following injuries sustained during the defeat to Ukraine in Dnipro on Saturday.
And England captain John Terry has called on the fringe members of the squad to take their opportunity.
Terry said: "Wayne has been the heartbeat for us in this campaign.
"But it is a chance for other players to come in and make their case to be on the plane to South Africa next summer.
"We played Germany last year (when key players were missing) and beat them. There were some real positives from that game, from the likes of Agbonlahor and Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"They can really give the manager food for thought. We know the manager is strong enough not to select us, and there is a real desire and hunger to show what we can do."
The battle to replace Rooney is hotly contested between Aston Villa's inform striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who if starts will make his competitive debut, and Tottenham striker, Peter Crouch who has been a threat for both club and country when coming of the bench.
The England boss, however, has remained tight-lipped on the squad which will line-up to face Belarus, only confirming that, despite a disappointing performance last time out Rio Ferdinand would start.
"Rio will play tomorrow. I have big confidence in him, he needs to play and I am sure he will get better every game," said Capello.
Asked whether fringe player, James Milner would start, as a possible replacement for the departing Gerrard, the Italian replied: "We will have to wait 24 hours. Milner has always played very well and is one for the future.
"I think the matches in March and May are more important to arrive with good morale. This is one game to experiment."
Capello has invited all 55 players who have been part of the Three Lions qualifying campaign to attend the game against Belarus on Wednesday night as a thank-you for their contribution.
Capello added: "We have invited all the players, but I'm not sure if they will all be here because they have to train on Thursday.
"We will be happy for the ones who will be here and for those who cannot make it. It is a family of the England team."