Thursday, January 21, 2010

Capello’s World Cup Selection Headache - Defenders

Further to the previous article we continue our look at the potential selection problems for Fabio Capello ahead of this summers World Cup. Having dealt with the probable certain picks, and analysing possible goalkeeper options we turn our attention to the defenders.

As we have said in the article on Goalkeepers, only one of the four positions at the back would seem to be guaranteed; namely that of former England Captain and centre back John Terry. The injury problems new England Captain Rio Ferdinand has suffered this season and mistakes in recent performances for England such as in the game against the Dutch that led to their opening goal, has led to a place potentially opening up next to John Terry at the heart of Englands Defence.

So the question for Capello is; if Rio doesn’t make it who will take his place. Jamie Carragher has retired from international duty due to being fed up with call ups only to sit on the bench and his form this season has been far from that of a few seasons ago when Liverpool conquered Europe. A possible contender in Jolean Lescott has seen his chances fade since his big money move to Sky Blue Man City from Everton, where he has as yet failed to live up to the £20 millon price tag and form of previous seasons when he adorned the dark blue and was on the brink of breaking into the national side. Matthew Upson has recently been the man to stand next to Terry and although he is deemed a quality defender; big, strong, good in the air and a brave tackler there are suggestions that his lack of playing in Europe and relative inexperience at international level may leave him struggling should England qualify through their group and come up against the attacking potency of the likes of Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Germany or even France. This may be one position where Capello suffers from a lack of options rather than trying to fit so much quality into so few spaces as he has in midfield and attack. Other players who could make the step up should Ferdinand not make it could be Boltons Gary Cahill, either of Tottenhams Jonathan Woodgate or Ledley King, however both are injury prone and this has been a blight against them throughout their careers who otherwise could well have been first choice ahead of Terry and Ferdinand. Finally the right full back position is one Capello will have to mull over.

Glen Johnson has been the regular right back, however Liverpools exit from the Champions League and poor form in the League and domestic cups has done little to show case his talents in the same way as when he was performing for Portsmouth last season. England are unquestionalby light in the right full back department, and although praised for his talents going forward Johnson has been criticised for his skill as a defender. Other options are few and far between, Aston Villa’s Luke Young announced his retirement from international football and has been overshadowed by Cueller at right back at his club. Gary Neville looks to be struggling to play regularly and perform domestically let alone play international football. Wes brown could be an option but again lack of games, form and fitness don’t work in his favour so it maybe that Capello selects Johnson and either uses his tactical know how to use other players help Johnson when defending or hope he has an inspired tournament such as Danny Mills did when he featured for England at a World Cup some time ago.

Ashley Cole who has been in his best form for a few seasons since leaving Arsenal seemed to have the left full back position sewn up until he broke his ankle and joined his Chelsea team mate and Captain John Terry spending more time on the front page of the papers instead of the back and with Wayne Bridges withdrawl from international duty the left side which seemed so secure is now an open race. Leighton Baines has excelled this season after a slow start to his Everton Career, solid going forward and defensively and very useful at set pieces his may be the story of a player with no chance becoming an England left back at a World Cup. Stephen Warnock is another potential candidate, playing well in a consistent Aston Villa team, including becoming runners up in a closely fought League Cup final. Capello may opt to use Lescott and ths would open up the opportunity for another striker or midfielder to be taken as Lescott could play centrally or on the left. However Lescotts form has been indifferent and he would arguably struggle against the Worlds Best right wingers such as Messi or Ronaldo.