England Friendlies

[Ginger Ninjas]

Squad named for upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden. Most of the focus on Terry's inclusion and Rooney's exclusion, Rodwell and Sturridge coming in for first call ups.

Perhaps the strangest decision though has to be Glen Johnson ahead of Micah Richards? The latter has probably been the best right back in the league this season; Johnson is just a bit fat and a bit useless.

[cmonurz]

Richards probably needs better than a good two months to find his way back into Capello's plans. He's been shite for two years.

[Ginger Ninjas]

Johnson's been equally shite since Hodgson took over at Liverpool, so 18 months, doesn't seem to have affected his position in the squad.

Good to see that Agonlahor being picked on form. Not the best player, but genuine pace and has got himself together after a poor season last time around.

[Jackson Corner]

If Spain take this seriously and play to there full potential this could be England's heaviest home defeat. Which I'm guessing is still 6-3 Hungary?

[Hoop Blah]

Richards probably needs better than a good two months to find his way back into Capello's plans. He's been shite for two years.

Apparently the issue is that Capello says Richards won't take onboard and follow his instructions.

I still think that he looks like potentially our best right back and has been as good if not better than the rest for 12 months now. That won't matter if Capello doesn't trust him though. It's a strong position developing for England though as you've also the likes of Kelly and Walker coming through too.

[Simon's Church]

I hope both teams take it seriously, can't wait to see how Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso etc play when they finally come up against a good midfield in Barry and Parker lol

[Barry the bird boggler]

Hiding to nothing, couldn't give a toss about two teams going through the motions in an utterly meaningless exercise followed by more of the same v Sweden. Dullsville Arizona.

[cmonurz]

I'm strangely intrigued by these because of the opposition - world champions Spain, who Capello said 'have improved a lot' (is this the understatement of all-time?!), and Sweden who if memory serves correctly we simply never beat.

[Schards#2]

Spain currently odds against.

The only thing stopping this being the bet of century is the question of whether Spain are bothered about it. If they take it seriously, I can't see them winning by less than 3.

[LUX]

MOTD (FWIW) said Silva is the best player in England at the moment and yet he is only a sub for Spain (as is Fabregas).

Mind you, brilliant though he is, I think Silva is too one-footed. I prefer Jay Tabb.

[Hoop Blah]

Spain currently odds against.

The only thing stopping this being the bet of century is the question of whether Spain are bothered about it. If they take it seriously, I can't see them winning by less than 3.

They're the best side out there at the moment but have you looked at their results?

Why would they suddenly beat Englan by more than they've beaten a host of other average international teams over the last 18 months?

[roadrunner]

Squad named for upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden. Most of the focus on Terry's inclusion and Rooney's exclusion, Rodwell and Sturridge coming in for first call ups.

Perhaps the strangest decision though has to be Glen Johnson ahead of Micah Richards? The latter has probably been the best right back in the league this season; Johnson is just a bit fat and a bit useless.

Not so long ago fans were calling on Capello to give other players a go. It's a friendly, this is fine.

[YateleyRoyal]

Glen Johnson has been injured for a while which is why he's been off the radar, although I agree that Richards should be there. Would like to see Walker starting.

Glad to see Sturridge in and Carroll out.

[Hoop Blah]

Glen Johnson has been injured for a while which is why he's been off the radar, although I agree that Richards should be there. Would like to see Walker starting.

Glad to see Sturridge in and Carroll out.

Jonhson's been injured on and off for what seems like the last 3 seasons. When he's been fit I've not been that impressed with him since his first season (?) at Liverpool and certainly not from his woeful displays at the World Cup.

Walker, Kelly and Richards should all be looking to get in ahead of him after this summer (if not before hand) and breathing down their necks will be the likes of Smalling and Jones who will be involved somewhere but obviously more likely at centre half.

I think Johnson is very lucky to still be involved.

[YateleyRoyal]

Glen Johnson has been injured for a while which is why he's been off the radar, although I agree that Richards should be there. Would like to see Walker starting.

Glad to see Sturridge in and Carroll out.

Jonhson's been injured on and off for what seems like the last 3 seasons. When he's been fit I've not been that impressed with him since his first season (?) at Liverpool and certainly not from his woeful displays at the World Cup.

Walker, Kelly and Richards should all be looking to get in ahead of him after this summer (if not before hand) and breathing down their necks will be the likes of Smalling and Jones who will be involved somewhere but obviously more likely at centre half.

I think Johnson is very lucky to still be involved.

The only thing that Johnson has in his favour is that of the 6 players you mention above, only 3 are natural right backs. The rest are centre backs who play there. Of those three, Johnson is the most experienced.

[cmonurz]

He is also a better attacker than any of them, which is something favoured by Capello.

[winchester_royal]

He is also a better attacker than any of them, which is something favoured by Capello.

Walker >> Johnson in terms of attacking ability.

[Wax Jacket]

I dunno, Johnson's attcking play has been pretty good for England at times, can see why Capello would still want him there

[manny96]

Spain won't take it seriously and will field a 2nd team (but including Xavi and Pique or Puyol) that would leave most international sides envious. Spain win by a goal.

[Maguire]

Don't understand why people ever predict a three goal victory for any match unless it's v a serious whipping boy like San Marino.