England squad for fixtures v Israel & Russia

[kyan]

Bentley & Young in England squad

Blackburn's David Bentley and Aston Villa winger Ashley Young are in England's squad to face Israel and Russia in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Bentley and Young, both 22, have been drafted in after David Beckham and Kieron Dyer were ruled out by injury.

Chelsea star Frank Lampard is also a doubt after suffering a torn thigh.

Blackburn star Bentley was not picked for the friendly against Germany after withdrawing from the European Under-21 championships because of fatigue.

And his international career was shrouded in doubt after his controversial late pull-out from the tournament in Holland.

But with Beckham sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury and Dyer out with a broken leg, McClaren is short of alternatives and Bentley has made an outstanding start to the new campaign.

McClaren said Bentley had now paid the price, saying: "I thought it was the right decision to leave him out last time.

"He accepted that and he paid the consequences but this is a new squad and he is in it and deserves to be in it."

McClaren was upset Beckham is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after his injury, sustained playing for LA Galaxy.

He said: "It is a big blow for us. He is a big player and we are coming up to big games and we need big players for big games.

"He is injured and how well he recovers and how fast he recovers and how he plays from there on we will see."

Bentley and Young are the only uncapped outfield players in McClaren's squad.

Young offers the England coach another option on the flank in absence of Beckham and Dyer, and with Spurs winger Aaron Lennon still not fit.

Striker Wayne Rooney is already ruled out of the games, both at Wembley on 8 and 12 September, with a broken metatarsal in his foot, while fellow forward Peter Crouch is suspended for the Israel game.

At the back Wayne Bridge and Ledley King definitely miss out, Gary Neville still has ankle trouble.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard missed their Champions League qualifier against Toulouse in midweek with a broken toe, and is already a doubt for the game against Derby at Anfield.

If he fails to play on Saturday, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will be reluctant to see him risked by England.

But McLaren said: "I've spoken to Steven and liaised with Liverpool but I'm very confident Steven Gerrard will be available for the next two games."

Michael Owen's progress after lengthy injury problems has also pleased the England coach.

He said: "Over the last few weeks Michael has knuckled down in training and is looking sharp.

"Strikers need to score and it was important to see him score. I said at the time (of the Germany match) he is always ready and speaking to him, he can't wait." Despite the problems, McClaren is optimistic England can make a major push towards sealing a place in next summer's tournament.

He said: "We are very positive that it is in our hands. We have four homes games in all and we have got to make it count.

"The players know what they have got to do. They are used to that at club level and international level.

"We normally win the big games and we have to do it again."

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Aston Villa).

Defenders: Micah Richards (Man City), Wes Brown (Man Utd), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth), Phil Neville (Everton), Nicky Shorey (Reading).

Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd).

Forwards: Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Alan Smith (Newcastle), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Andrew Johnson (Everton), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).

BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Bentley & Young in England squad

Lots of injuries but a good squad all the same, I'm glad Bentley's been called up but judging by what some of the pundits are saying not everyone is

We do have some dilemmas though, who goes in goal, who plays CM, and who partners Owen up front in particular.

[kyan]

Heskey recalled to England squad

England coach Steve McClaren has called Wigan forward Emile Heskey into his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.

The Wigan striker won the last of his 43 caps against France at Euro 2004.

McClaren watched the 29-year-old in action for Wigan at Newcastle on Saturday and subsequently requested his release from the Latics.

"I think he deserves to be recalled. We need his experience at this time," said McClaren on the FA's website.

"Emile is a player with a lot international experience and has played many times with Michael Owen in the past.

"He's been in good form for Wigan this season, he played very well against Sunderland and I saw him play well against Newcastle.

"While he has been out of the squad for a few years, I've spoken with [Wigan boss] Chris Hutchings who has been hugely impressed with him."

Peter Crouch is suspended for Saturday's encounter with Israel at Wembley, while Wayne Rooney has been sidelined with a broken bone in his foot.

Heskey has scored just five times in his 43 appearances at international level, but has been tipped for a recall after some powerful Premier League displays this season.

And McClaren was keen to bring in some muscle up front after watching Owen impress when partnered with Mark Viduka and Shola Ameobi for Newcastle.

The coach's other striking options for the game against Israel are Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, Andrew Johnson of Everton and Newcastle's Alan Smith - although there have been suggestions that winger Joe Cole could be used in a more attacking role.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/6974969.stm

I'm not sure what to think in all honesty. He's been doing really well for Wigan but if he plays it's just going to be a whole lot of aimless hoofing the ball forward again, and does he have the goals we need?

Also Lampard is almost definitely out, probably a blessing in disguise as long as Gerrard is fit, so now it all depends on whether Gerrard is fit or not. If he is I'd assume it'll be Gerrard and Hargreaves, if he isn't it'll probably be Carrick.

[russe||]

I'm shocked Emile Heskey has an England recall. It's madness.

[mr.watford]

crazy. it shows how desperate mcclaren is.

[Sven]

I don't , he has been in great form, he is a striker England need. short term gap for Ashton.

[henry14]

the recalled back player, Heskey, was a shock calling for england squad.
But nevertheless Heskey will not be in the squad 11, maybe he will be a substitution. Virtually Mc Claren is unnecessary to call so many players from the club as some none-appearance player might have a opportunities to substitute.then the player will have fatigue

[kyan]

England call up defender Lescott

Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been called up to England's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel on Saturday and Russia four days later.

England boss Steve McClaren made the decision after Portsmouth's Sol Campbell pulled out through injury.

And Chelsea's Frank Lampard is almost certain to miss England's games, while McClaren called up Wigan striker Emile Heskey into his squad on Sunday.

McClaren remains confident Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will be fit.

Birmingham-born Lescott has been key to Everton's good start to the new Premier League season.

And McClaren told the FA website: "Joleon has been looking very solid for Everton this season, and has also scored a couple of goals, too.

"He is big and strong and is a threat at set-pieces as well, but as a defender he makes life very difficult for strikers.

"His versatility also means he is a good option as he can play in the middle of the defence or at full-back.

"He came on as a sub for the 'B' team at Burnley in May and looked assured and I think he's very capable of making the step up to the full team."

Earlier McClaren had said of injury-worry Lampard: "Our medical people are liaising with Chelsea and we'll assess it on Monday - but it is looking very doubtful."

However, the England coach is more optimistic regarding Gerrard, who is suffering from a hairline fracture of the toe and has not played in Liverpool's last three games.

McClaren said: "I spoke to Stevie and I am liaising with Liverpool," he added. "We're not going to take any risks but he wants to play and we want him to play.

"We'll assess it in the week but I am fully expecting he'll be available for the two games."

However, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez warned McClaren to only play Gerrard if he is fully fit.

"We have not taken any risks with Steven at Liverpool and I would not expect England to take any risks with him," said the Spaniard.

"We do not want Steven to play for England with any painkilling injections. We did that against Chelsea and it took four to five days for him to recover to be able to train again."

A scan revealed that Lampard had a tear in his left thigh, while McClaren's plans had already been hit by injuries to David Beckham and Kieron Dyer.

The likely absence of Lampard, who partnered Michael Carrick in the friendly against Germany last month, has seen him have to change his midfield plans once again.

He said: "It's a big blow to lose your best players. Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and now David Beckham. It's a big loss to us but other players have an opportunity now.

"I started last week and had a certain team in mind. We had another way of playing but losing Frank Lampard changes the emphasis on that."

Beckham will be sidelined for six weeks with a knee ligament injury but McClaren said he still has a part to play in helping their stuttering Euro 2008 campaign.

He said: "On a personal level David has to get fit and playing again. We've still got important games ahead so he can help us before the last game.

"He has to be fit, playing and performing to a level where he can play for England."

McClaren hinted that he could partner Chelsea winger Joe Cole with Michael Owen up front for the Israel game, with Rooney injured and Peter Crouch suspended.

"One of the things we're looking at is what partnership and system will get best out of Michael Owen," he said about the Newcastle forward, who scored their winner against Wigan on Saturday.

"We're looking at different options but unfortunately we are missing Crouch for this game."

McClaren will also be aware of how well Owen has teamed up with Heskey in the past for Liverpool and England.

In 118 games together for the Reds, Owen scored 67 goals and Heskey managed 26, while in 30 matches for their country, Owen found the net 14 times and Heskey a further four.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has no dout Heskey can be effective against Israel and Russia, telling BBC Radio 5live: "People in the game know what a good job Emile does and I have got great faith and belief in him.

"With 40-odd caps for England, Emile has plenty of experience which will help in these two games. It is a great opportunity for him to get back in the fold and prove his worth again.

If he and Michael are paired together up front then they have a good understanding of one anothers' game from their days at Liverpool.

"Michael has said before that of all the strikers he has played with then he and Emile has been one of the best combinations."

Israel squad for Euro 2008 qualifier against England on 8 September at Wembley:

Aouate, Davidovitch, Strauber, Ben Haim, Benado, Gershon, Ziv, Sprungin, Saban, Strul, Antebi, Benayoun, Badier, Alberman, Tal, Zandberg, Yamuz, Itzhaki, Golan, Balili, Collauti, Barda, Katan.

BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | England call up defender Lescott

Good, believe it or not I feel some sympathy for Campbell, but Lescott really deserves this and he could have a great future with the NT, his versatility will definitely be useful as well.

[kyan]

England wait on Hargreaves injury

England boss Steve McClaren has confirmed midfielder Owen Hargreaves is a doubt for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley.

Hargreaves missed training on Wednesday with a thigh injury and is struggling along with Steven Gerrard, while Frank Lapmard and David Beckham are out.

"Thankfully a scan only revealed a small problem," said McClaren.

"We're still hoping he will be available for Saturday, and he is definitely not ruled out."

He added: "We'll give Owen as much time as we can before making a decision.

"He's a determined character and we know that he really wants to play. Naturally, we won't take any unnecessary risks with him though."

The Manchester United player was recently sidleined for his club with tendonitis and has yet to play two games in a week following his £18m summer switch to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.

McClaren says the two problems are not related and also revealed Liverpool midfielder Gerrard is being closely monitored as he recovers from a broken toe.

"We did have some positive news on Steven Gerrard yesterday, when he played a part in training without any problems," he said.

"We will continue to assess him closely and stay in regular contact with the medical staff at Liverpool, before making any decision as to whether he will play.

"As I've already said, regardless of who is injured, we are looking forward to Saturday with confidence.

"I've told the players we have enough ability in the dressing room and it's up to us to go out and the get result. We're good enough to do so."

England's missing XI

Chelsea midfielder Lampard is ruled out with a thigh injury, while Beckham's knee problem has ended any hope of the LA Galaxy star playing any part.

The absence of Hargreaves, who missed the recent friendly against Germany because of a knee injury, would mean McClaren having to seriously reassess his midfield options.

England, who are three points behind leaders Croatia in Group E, have not ruled out giving Gerrard an injection to enable him to play against Israel, though Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is against giving him a jab.

Despite being a doubt for Saturday's game, Hargreaves has been in confident mood about England's qualification chances.

"It doesn't matter where we are in the table just now," said the 26-year-old Hargreaves.

"Croatia, Russia and Israel have done well so far but we are only halfway through the group, so we will see who is there at the end."

"I don't see any more anxiety around the camp for this game," added the Manchester United midfielder.

"We know what we have to do. Israel will pull everybody behind the ball. They hardly tried to get forward when they were at home, so I don't imagine it will be any different on Saturday.

"I am sure they will be happy with a draw but if we can take our chances early on, and score a goal or two, it could be a comfortable game for us."

England squad for Euro 2008 Group E qualifiers against Israel on 8 September and Russia on 12 September:
Robinson, James, Carson; Richards, Ferdinand, A Cole, P Neville, Brown, Terry, Lescott, Shorey; Bentley, Lampard, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Hargreaves, Gerrard, J Cole, Carrick, Downing; Smith, Crouch, Defoe, Heskey, Owen, Johnson, Young.

F*ck, I hope Hargreaves doesn't do himself more harm.

Barry will probably play CM now, or maybe even Smith.

[Jose_Mourinho]

Smith's more likely to play than Barry. Manager's too pussy to play Barry/Young/Bentley in such an important match. Probably wont even play SWP and will stick with Cole.

Heskey wont play either. Just a token call up where he'll do nothing.

[kyan]

I'm not sure about Heskey, I think he'll definitely come on as a sub in the Israel game at least.

This wasn't even anticapated or called for by the media so he had nothing making him call him up except himself and Owen...

[Jeremyb]

Can someone explain how Phil Neville keeps getting picked? He proved at Euro 2000 he wasn't good enough to be an England international and he was pure crap at Euro 2004. He wasn't good enough to maintain a regular place at Man U and had to go to Everton, yet he keeps getting selected. Why?

[Dixie_Dean]

Originally Posted by Jeremyb

Can someone explain how Phil Neville keeps getting picked? He proved at Euro 2000 he wasn't good enough to be an England international and he was pure crap at Euro 2004. He wasn't good enough to maintain a regular place at Man U and had to go to Everton, yet he keeps getting selected. Why?

i offen ask myself why moyes keeps picking him never mind mclaren

[Mighty T.A.L.]

England boss Steve McClaren has confirmed Steven Gerrard and Paul Robinson will start against Israel on Saturday. McClaren will make a late decision on the fitness of Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves who is struggling with a thigh injury.

[kyan]

Heskey's gonna be starting as well...