Euro 2012 qualifiers

Frank Lampard and John Terry out of Euro 2012 matches

Zidane wrote:I can see Bulgaria grabbing a draw and the Swiss turning us over,to be honest.

England, Capello, & the European Cup 2010-11



So we all know now, exactly where Capello now stands in his thinking and proposals for his future management of the England team! We know because he has spoken most clearly, precisely and assertively on these matters; and his record to date demonstrates better than any words, the confidence we can all feel that Capello will stand by all that he has said.

To reassure you doubters let me remind you of the pillars upon which Capello has vowed to rebuild the future of the England team – and possibly achieve even greater success in this coming European Cup than he did during his two years rebuilding the team, and being the architect of its remarkable performances in the recently completed World Cup.

Capello’s oft stated Pillars of Management for the road ahead.

1. He has bravely and resolutely DEFINITELY, (?????), permanently, (?????), dismissed Beckham from his future plans for the England Team – because he is too old. (No mention that he is no longer good enough).

2. Ditto that he is sure the future of England lies with the emerging new generation of younger players who he intends to give every chance in preference to the older, (perennially failing golden generation?), players. Capello has already shown the power of his convictions in that he has made a second personal, but unsuccessful, attempt to convince young Paul Scholes to return to the international stage. Also his avowed faith in the potential of England’s young players is amply demonstrated by his exploring the legalities of being able to select SPAINARD Arteta, who, incidentally, has already represented Spain at under 21 level!

3. Under no circumstances will he pick ANY PLAYER who is not playing regularly and full time in top class football; is out of form; unfit; demonstrates a lack of discipline in either his professional or personal life or acts in a manner likely to bring disrepute to or cause disharmony within the squad. Capello was extremely adamant from day one of his appointment that he would be intractable in these regards and that there would be no exceptions. You have only to look at his record over the past two years, and the way he applied his said principals in dealing with his players, (for example Terry, Beckham, Rooney Heskey & Crouch in the areas of fitness, form and behaviour), to realize the extent of his strength of character and the degree to which he means what he says!

4. That he has learned a great deal about international management over the past couple of years and will be, therefore, varying his approach as regards selection and playing styles. Presumably,( and hopefully), he has discovered there are a whole variety of formations & styles which can be used by teams other than a 4-4-2 formation and the Serie A defensively/negatively minded footballing style.

5. OPTIMISTCALLY placing our faith in Capello’s assurances and promise, and that his word is his bond, we can all look forward with supreme confidence to the dawn of a new & successful era for the ‘new look (????) England team, coupled with startling success in the upcoming European Cup.

6. England v Bulgaria & v Switzerland do not be in the least bit surprised should Capello play a 3-5-2 formation with the following starting team and bench: (Yes! I am dreaming!).

Starting Team. Hart; Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole;

Walcott, Gareth Barry, Gerrard, Milner, Johnson;

DeFoe & Zamorra.

Bench: Green, Micah Richards, Dawson, Warnock, Scott Parker, Wilshere, Rooney, Andy Carroll.

Note: Selection suggestions made BEFORE Terry & Lampard withdrawals announced!!

"Bobby went really stiff at half-time, he thought it was just a bang on the muscle and went out again. But he could not shake it off. I think he must be a doubt [for England] unfortunately," stated Hughes.

he fitness of fellow Spurs striker Jermain Defoe is also questionable.

DermotC wrote:Surely you cant forget the way in which England qualified for the Cup.......? One of the most resounding qualifications Ive ever seen!

England squad for Euro 2012 qualifiers v Bulgaria (3 September) and Switzerland (7 September):


Goalkeepers: Scott Carson (West Brom), Ben Foster (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Manchester City).


Defenders: Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Matthew Upson (West Ham)


Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), James Milner (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)


Forwards: Darren Bent (Sunderland), Carlton Cole (West Ham), Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

DGPW wrote:
Since they are not in the squad presumably, like Terry & Lamparrd, Heskey & Beckham are also injured?