England manager Fabio Capello has always been a man of surprises. True to form, on Tuesday, he named his 30-man provisional squad, and there were a few unexpected names mixed in with the regulars on the list.
Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Wayne Rooney were no brainers for the Italian boss, but the likes of Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and Tottenham center back Ledley King were surprises to most observers. Neither player has appeared for England since Capello took over, and Carragher had to be talked out of retirement in the wake of injuries to several first-choice defenders.
Other interesting names include Adam Johnson, Manchester City’s swaggering young winger, who has no caps to his name. The other uncapped player called in to camp is Spurs defender Michael Dawson.
One player who Capello could not coax back into the fold was Man. City left back Wayne Bridge, who swore off the Three Lions as long as Terry was still in the squad. Terry reportedly had an affair with Bridge’s girlfriend last fall.
Other players who were thought to have a chance but were ultimately left off include Fulham’s Bobby Zamora and Aston Villa’s Ashley Young.
But despite those absences, Capello’s side possesses talent and firepower at nearly every position.
England open up their World Cup campaign, of course, against the United States on Saturday, June 12, in Rustenburg.
ENGLAND PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.
