Fabio Capello plans to hand Joe Hart his second England cap
against Egypt next week amid fears about the quality of the
country’s goalkeeping options.
Capello wants to look closely at the 23-year-old who has been in
superb form during a season on loan at Birmingham from Manchester
City.
The England manager has grown increasingly concerned that the
lack of a world-class keeper might undermine his World Cup
campaign.
Hart of gold: Joe Hart is set to be given his
second England cap against Egypt
Goalkeepers: Fielding
(Rochdale), Loach (Watford), McCarthy (Yeovil);
Defenders: Bertrand
(Reading), Mancienne (Wolves), Naughton (Middlesbrough), Richards
(Man City), Smalling (Fulham), Tomkins (West Ham), Walker
(Tottenham)
Midfielders: Cleverley
(Watford), Cork (Burnley), Delph (Aston Villa), Wilshere (Bolton),
Muamba (Bolton), Gosling (Everton), Lansbury (Watford), Moses
(Wigan), Cattermole (Sunderland), Rodwell (Everton)
Strikers: Carroll
(Newcastle), Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Sturridge (Chelsea), Welbeck
(Preston)
Capello’s No 1 David James is only just back in action after a
season interrupted by injuries and contractual issues at
Portsmouth.
West Ham’s Rob Green is seen by the England boss only as a
back-up and Capello made a personal check on Hart when Birmingham
lost 2-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Tottenham and England winger Aaron Lennon, who was in brilliant
form before a groin injury in December, has suffered a setback in
his recovery. He went for a scan on Monday amid fears he needs
surgery which could rule him out for another six weeks. Capello is
considering Manchester City’s Adam Johnson as an alternative.
Arsenal wide man Theo Walcott was left out of the Under 21 squad
for their match against Greece on March 3 meaning he should be
involved in the Egypt game at Wembley on the same night.
Wigan striker Victor Moses has won his first Under 21 call-up
after turning down the chance to play for Nigeria.
The Egypt match will be refereed by Paraguayan Carlos Manuel
Torres so England can experience an official from a different
continent.
One player not expecting a call is Michael Owen. He said: ‘You
never give up but it’s a long shot.’
