Steve McClaren has named his 23-man
squad for England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel
and Andorra.
Newcastle ace Scott Parker was the surprise pick for McClaren, who
also welcomed back Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves
following a broken leg.
David Beckham's injury gave the former Middlesbrough boss one less
headache as Hargreaves, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael
Carrick and Parker contest the central midfield places.
Aaron Lennon could well be given a right wing start with Kieron
Dyer or Stewart Downing on the left supplying the ammunition for
likely strikers Wayne Rooney and Andy Johnson.
Watford's on-loan Ben Foster started England's friendly against
Spain although Paul Robinson is likely to be back between the
sticks against Israel and Andorra.
Rio Ferdinand and John Terry should make up the spine of England's
backline with Ashley Cole and Gary Neville the possible starting
full-backs.
Cole is suspended for England's game with Israel and with Wayne
Bridge also out injured Jamie Carragher could well fill in at
left-back.
Peter Crouch's injury meant he was unavailable while there was no
place for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry or Manchester City midfielder
Joey Barton.
England's 23-man squad:
Goalkeeper:
Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Man Utd, on loan at Watford), Carson
(Liverpool, on loan at Charlton)
Defender:
G Neville (Man Utd), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd),
Terry (Chelsea, capt), Woodgate (Real Madrid, on loan at
Middlesbrough), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Chelsea), P Neville
(Everton)
Midfielder:
Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea),
Lennon (Tottenham), Parker (Newcastle), Carrick (Man Utd), Dyer
(Newcastle), Downing (Middlesbrough)
Striker:
Johnson (Everton), Rooney (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham), D Bent
(Charlton)