New era begins as Capello names first-ever England squad
Fabio Capello names maiden England squad - David Beckham and Paul Robinson both dropped
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Thursday, 31, Jan 2008 08:21
Fabio Capello has named his first-ever England squad for next Wednesday's home friendly against Switzerland.
Aston Villa youngsters Gabriel Agbonlahor and Curtis Davies have both been given call-ups, but there is no place in the provisional 30-man setup for David Beckham or Paul Robinson.
Capello is set to cut seven players from the squad after attending the Manchester City v Arsenal match on Saturday; while assistant Franco Baldini will watch Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United.
"I have selected a squad of 30 players as I think it is important that all the players are equal from the beginning," Capello said.
"There are a lot of games before we join up and I think it is better that we are prepared for any injuries. This way we are not expecting to call players up as late replacements when I name a 23-man squad on Saturday evening."
In Robinson's absence, David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland will get a chance to stake a claim for England's number one jersey.
Robinson was dropped from Steve McClaren's last-ever match as England manager – a 3-2 home defeat to Croatia – while in recent games Spurs boss Juande Ramos has preferred Radek Cerny between the sticks.
In central defence, Jonathan Woodgate looks likely to partner Rio Ferdinand due to an injury to John Terry, although Capello has yet to decide on who his captain will be.
Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley are named among the midfielders, while Agbonlahor is likely to win his first cap alongside Wayne Rooney at Wembley next Wednesday.
In further comment on his inaugural squad, Capello said: "Franco Baldini and I have been watching many games since we arrived in England and we have tried to see as many English players as possible before deciding on the squad.
"There were a number of players that we already knew about but there are many we have seen playing live for the first time.
"We will use the time between now and our first World Cup qualifying match in September to look at the players and find the best formula for the England team. I will also look at players who have not been included in the squad this time."
Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott were not included in the senior squad after being named in Stuart Pearce's under-21 squad.
Provisional 30-man England squad to face Switzerland:
Goalkeepers
David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (Wigan)
Defenders
Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole (both Chelsea), Curtis Davies (Aston Villa), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Ledley King (Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham).
Midfielders
Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa) Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers).
Strikers
Emile Heskey (Wigan), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool).