Injuries force Capello to look to the future

Fabio Capello will be forced to provide a glimpse into England’s future when Holland visit Wembley for a friendly international on Wednesday after a series of injuries decimated his squad.

Capello had planned to field a strong team against the Dutch in preparation for two crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales next month.

But instead he will have to work with a handful of his senior stars and youngsters who are only likely to fulfil their potential after the Italian has left his post at the end of the European Championships.

With Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott already injured before the squad was announced and Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick forced to withdraw due to injury on Monday, Capello has a glaring lack of midfield options.

Capello also has injury problems up front. Darren Bent has been ruled out with a shoulder problem and Peter Crouch and Danny Welbeck are both carrying knocks.

The Italian’s other problem position is right-back as Glen Johnson is sidelined after suffering an injury in Liverpool’s friendly win over Valencia.

Wilshere’s ankle injury is especially frustrating for Capello as he believes the Arsenal teenager already plays with enough maturity to be the creative fulcrum of his midfield.

In Wilshere’s absence, Capello has called up Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley after his vibrant display in the second half of Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City.

Cleverley spent the last three seasons honing his trade on loan at Leicester, Watford and Wigan, but Sir Alex Ferguson has high hopes for a player with a hint of Paul Scholes about him.

Capello may be tempted to take a closer look himself at some stage on Wednesday, which would cap a week to remember for Cleverley as he prepares to celebrate his 22nd birthday on Friday.

As ever, Wayne Rooney’s form and fitness will be decisive factors in determining whether England qualify for the finals and then make a decent fist of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Capello will be relieved to note that United striker Rooney looked in good nick against City on Sunday, but he also needs a partner who can bring the best of his talisman.

With so many forwards injured, Liverpool targetman Andy Carroll is likely to be given another chance to establish himself as Capello’s preferred option.

The 22-year-old has yet to convince everyone at Liverpool that he can live up to his £35 million price tag, but Capello is a confirmed admirer of his qualities.

Capello was also encouraged by Tottenham defender Kyle Walker’s performances on loan at Aston Villa last season and, with Johnson injured, the Italian wants to give the 21-year-old a chance in what has been one of the more problematic positions over recent years.

Wednesday’s match marks the start of Capello’s final season in charge of England and he admitted recently that he would love to bow out by winning Euro 2012, in large part to erase the bitter memories of a miserable campaign at the 2010 World Cup.

To do that, England - who lead their qualifying group ahead of Montenegro only on goal difference - will have to improve dramatically over the next nine months.

Capello’s side were back to their bad old ways in June’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland and they are without a win at Wembley in their last four attempts.

In the circumstances, Capello admits he could have done without a such tricky fixture three days before the start of the new Premier League season.

“I can’t watch any of the players I need to choose. I don’t know what level any of them will be,” he said.

“I don’t know what kind of form the Dutch are in. Those coming from Bundesliga are fit because they have already started.

“I don’t know what will happen but they are a really good team and one of the best in the world. The timing is difficult. You need to ask Fifa, they decided this.”

Midweek international fixtures

Albania v Montenegro
Azerbaijan v Macedonia
Austria v Slovakia
Belarus v Bulgaria
Bosnia-Hercegovina v Greece
Cyprus v Moldova
England v Netherlands
France v Chile
Germany v Brazil
Hungary v Iceland
Italy v Spain
Kazakhstan v Syria
Latvia v Finland
Liechtenstein v Switzerland
Lithuania v Armenia
Malta v Central African Republic
Norway v Czech Republic
Poland v Georgia
Portugal v Luxembourg
Republic of Ireland v Croatia
Russia v Serbia
Scotland v Denmark
Slovenia v Belgium
Turkey v Estonia
Ukraine v Sweden
Wales v Australia
 

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