Carrick and Johnson return for England
Steve McClaren has revealed his 24-man England squad
Also In The News
|
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is making plans to assemble a World XI to contest Monday's Twenty20 international and the following one-day series should Pakistan decide to withdraw. |  |
Friday, 25, Aug 2006 10:12
Everton striker Andy Johnson and new Manchester United concern Michael Carrick are to return to the England squad for the start of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, coach Steve McClaren has revealed.
Despite enduring an ankle injury which he is in the late stages of recovering from, McClaren has received assurances from Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson that Carrick will be fit in time for the two games against Andorra and Macedonia at the beginning of next month.
Meanwhile Johnson, who played matches for England against Holland and the USA in 2005, has earned a recall after impressing McClaren at the beginning of the Toffees' Premiership campaign.
"Andy deserves his chance in this squad after starting the season well with his new club," McClaren said.
"He's a great lad and a real team player who always gives everything. I've spoken to David Moyes and he's delighted with how well Andy has settled in at Everton."
Notable absentees from the squad include veteran defender Gary Neville and knee-blighted midfielder Joe Cole.
"I've discussed his fitness with Joe Mourinho and there is no point taking any chances," McClaren said.
"I know what Joe can do and he's very much in my plans for the future."
Michael Dawson and Ben Foster are the only uncapped players in the squad.
England's full 24-man squad for the September 2nd game against Andorra is: Paul Robinson; Chris Kirkland; Ben Foster; Wes Brown; Rio Ferdinand; John Terry (captain); Ashley Cole; Luke Young; Michael Dawson; Wayne Bridge; Steven Gerrard; Owen Hargreaves; Frank Lampard; Stewart Downing; Michael Carrick; Aaron Lennon; Shaun Wright-Phillips; Phil Neville; Jermaine Jenas; Kieran Richardson; Jermain Defoe; Darren Bent; Andrew Johnson; and Peter Crouch.