Man City midfielder set for England role
Saturday went right to plan for England as they had Wales beaten within 15 minutes on John Terry's return as captain in their Euro 2012 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium, though you sense that some sections of the media won't be too pleased with the result, having set Fabio Capello up for a big fall.
The Italian tactician was the subject of relentless criticism in the build up to the match in Cardiff for his handling of the decision to give Terry back the armband, however he got his tactics spot on by bringing Scott Parker into a three-man midfield that stopped Wales getting forward in the first half.
But while that thwarted bids to stick the knife into Capello, Steven Gerrard's revelation on Sunday that he was informed before Rio Ferdinand of Terry's reinstatement as skipper, and the news that another captain would be named for Tuesday's friendly with Ghana has provided fresh ammunition for his critics.
The nine-time title winner has kindly opted to send Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Michael Dawson back to their clubs with the Champions League quarter-finals in mind, meaning that, with Ferdinand and Gerrard injured, the four chief candidates for the armband will all be absent.
The favourite to assume the position against the World Cup quarter-finalists is Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry, which will go some way to making up for his disappointment at missing out on Saturday.
There are no other obvious contenders, with Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson the only other players with 30 caps or more staying on for the Wembley encounter. England are [1.72] to win despite Capello's hint that he will field a second string, while Ghana are priced at an intriguing [5.7].
Who should Capello pick? Will the Three Lions triumph? Tell us below...
Published: 28 Mar 2011
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