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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup 2010 |
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Friday, September 5, 2008
Capello rules Rio out of England-Andorra
Soccernet staff
Rio Ferdinand's stiff back will keep him out of England's match with Andorra in Barcelona. However, the central defender is still expected to play against Croatia in Zagreb on Saturday.
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| Fabio Capello: Unable to field first-choice pairing. (GettyImages) |
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The 29-year-old has been struggling with a stiff back all week and has been sitting out training sessions as England prepare to play their first qualifier for the 2010 World Cup. Coach Fabio Capello confirmed the Manchester United man's absence in a press conference on Friday but spoke of his hope of being able to field his first-choice centre-back pairing on Wednesday.
With captain John Terry fit to play, Matthew Upson, Joleon Lescott and Wes Brown are competing for a starting role alongside the Chelsea man.
Capello also urged Wayne Rooney to regain his goalscoring touch as the
England head coach defended his decision to leave out Michael Owen for the World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Croatia.
Capello opted not to select Owen, despite his scoring record of 40 goals in 89
internationals, after watching him in action for Newcastle against Arsenal last
weekend.
Capello said: 'I considered everything when I watched Michael. It was his
first full game. I checked him very well and he was not fit. These days it is
important for players to be 100 percent fit.
'The door is always open though to someone like Michael who is such a good
goal scorer and maybe for the next games the situation will be different.''
After five friendly internationals, England will finally move into competitive
action and Capello is optimistic that they will be able to qualify for the 2010
finals in South Africa.
He said: 'I have confidence in this England team. We're only just starting on
the road to South Africa but we are ready.
'We've played the five friendlies including the last one against a strong team
like the Czech Republic. I saw a lot of things in that game.
'Everyone knows how important it is for England to play in big tournaments and
everyone is focused on trying to achieve that goal.'