England friendly hopes hit by withdrawals
There are still two days before the actual game but already the withdrawals are coming thick and fast with Ben Foster, Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch pulling out of the England squad with injuries ahead of Wednesday's international friendly in Denmark, while Gabriel Agbonlahor is also absent.
Their unavailability has led to Rob Green - harshly overlooked initially despite bouncing back from his World Cup nightmare impressively for West Ham - and Carlton Cole - who has fallen down the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground following the signing of Robbie Keane - brought into the mix.
Despite an underwhelming season to date, Cole wasn't Fabio Capello's most surprising selection, as the England boss has also given first ever call-ups to Fulham's back-up goalkeeper David Stockdale and Aston Villa right back Kyle Walker, who has impressed since arriving on loan from Tottenham.
Frank Lampard is expected to be handed the armband with captain Rio Ferdinand and vice-captain Gerrard out and with several other players likely to withdraw before the match in Copenhagen, there's definitely an argument for backing the hosts at [3.4].
Denmark have won their last two clashes with England, thrashing them 4-1 in 2005 as the pressure on Sven-Goran Eriksson began to intensify and beating them 3-2 at Old Trafford two years prior to that, while they have lost just once since their disappointing World Cup campaign.
It's England's first away friendly since travelling to Amsterdam 18 months ago for a 2-2 draw with Holland and in the one prior to that they were outclassed 2-0 by Spain. The Three Lions are [2.34] to respond to November's disappointing defeat at home to France with a victory.
What do you make of Capello's latest squad? Share your thoughts below...
Published: 7 Feb 2011
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