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qualifying win over Wales by allowing a host of key players to miss tonight’s friendly soccer match against Ghana.
Capello opted to send home five of the team that defeated Wales 2-0 in Cardiff on Saturday as a favour to their club managers. That means Capello will be without his newly reappointed captain John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, as well as Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson.
In addition, Aston Villa right-back Kyle Walker has been ruled out by a groin injury.
After successfully changing to a 4-3-3 formation against Wales which provided a platform for Dawson, Jack Wilshere, Scott Parker and Ashley Young to thrive, it seems odd that Capello is happy to send out a team of reserves just three days later. Capello admitted after the Wales game that he was considering making 11 changes against Ghana. meanwhile, he has confirmed Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry will captain England in today’s friendly against Ghana at Wembley.
One player desperately hoping to be picked again is West Ham midfielder Par-ker, who performed admirably in the holding role. Parker’s father Mick died last Friday after a long illness, but the Hammers star has been keen to play on despite his grief. – AFP.