Friendly: England Hosts Mexico At Wembley
Notice that the venue is in the headline, though the word “pitch” deserves a mention, as the condition of the field at Wembley Stadium has taken center stage for today’s friendly between England and Mexico. What should be an informative match between two World Cup dark horses (no, England fans, your team is not a favorite) will be another test of the English Football Association’s ability to stage a proper match. To this point, it’s been a test they’ve failed.
After the FA Cup final two weeks ago, John Terry called the Wembley field "probably the worst pitch we've played on all year," a view that was echoed by captain Rio Ferdinand, who criticized the venue hosting activities that undermine the playing surface's quality. In this weekend's Championship promotion final, Blackpool's Gary Fletcher-Taylor suffered an ankle injury he attributed to the pitch. Earlier this year, Wayne Rooney was thought to have aggravated an injury during a friendly against Egypt.
The Mexican team is understandably worried about this, but having played a number of friendlies before today’s match, El Tri may be able to pick-and-choose which players see the pitch, particularly since Javier Aguirre has already trimmed his roster to 24. Fabio Capello, though he will not play any of the players who played in the FA Cup final, has only two matches to decide which seven players will be sent home.
The spots to watch for the Three Lions:
- Right wing: Aaron Lennon's return to health has him as the favorite to find a place in Capello's starting XI, but the fitness concerns that kept him out of the team for much of this year mean make right wing job to be won, as are the back-up positions. Theo Walcott, Joe Cole (who is not scheduled to play), Shaun Wright-Phillips and Adam Johnson will be competing for spots at a position that can also be occupied by James Milner, who seems a lock for the team. You would think at least two, possibly three, of these players have to get cut.
- Holding midfielder: Gareth Barry's ankle is not getting better, and there are increased rumblings he will not be fit by June 12. If that's the case, another starting position is open. Michael Carrick, Scott Parker and Tom Huddlestone will battle for the spot, and if Barry is not fit to play, only one might miss the trip to South Africa. If Barry's good, then two are likely out. You would think Michael Carrick is Capello's type of guy, but the midfielder was out-of-form with Manchester United at season's end. While it would be fun for the neutral to see Lumberin' Tom Huddlestone in a significant role, it wouldn't necessarily be a good move for England. Scott Parker's ball-winning is looking pretty good.
- Center half: Ferdinand and Terry are the incumbents. Ferdinand's back will be a constant problem. Terry's form has been much criticized over the last six months. Both players have looked good of late, but between the skepticism behind their form and the need to sort out the sea of back-ups Capello's brought-in, the Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Matthew Upson trio will play an important role in today's friendly. Whomever starts ahead of Terry (who will not play) will give us a hint as to the direction Capello's leaning. With another center half option on the squad - Jamie Carragher, who should go to South Africa as cover at right back - two of the back-up center halves could be left at home.
- Goal: It's expected Robert Green would start, though most would favor Joe Hart. Hart was named the best goalkeeper in the Premiership by the Professional Footballers Association; yet, Capello seems to favor Green's experience. With David James not slated to play, the performances of the two goalkeepers (or, how they are used) will be as informative as the other three position battles.
