Capello will consider Defoe for Croatia clash
Capello admitted Defoe could start against Croatia
Also In The News
|
By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 06, Sep 2009 03:21
By Matt Hallam.
Fabio Capello has admitted he is considering promoting Jermain Defoe to the starting line-up for England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia next week.
Defoe has started the season in scintillating form for club and country and the Spurs striker came on in the second half to score his third goal in two games for England.
Speaking after the game, Capello said he would have to consider Defoe for the game against Croatia and would make a decision during the week.
"I want to use the time before the next game to decide," he explained.
"Slovenia were a difficult team to play against but I learned a lot about individual players but I cannot share anything. We had a lot of chances and we have no injuries."
However, Capello also made it clear Emile Heskey is still a key player for England who will be looking to secure their place in South Africa with a win over Croatia on Wednesday.
"Heskey played a good game. I had a chance at half-time to see a different style of play with two smaller players. I am still trying different things," he continued.
"I want to know a lot of things but Jermain always scores when he plays the second half."
England went into a 2-0 lead with goals from Frank Lampard and Defoe, but conceded a goal in the last ten minutes, with Capello unhappy with his team's concentration towards the end of the game.
"I was not happy to concede a late goal because the concentration was not good in the last four or five minutes," he commented.
"We played too slow, we played long balls and didn't play the style I like. I want the players to focus and concentrate on every minute of the game."