England Squad Beset By Injuries Ahead Of Midweek Friendly Against France

As injuries for England continue to mount, the news that Carroll has recovered from a groin injury must cheer supporters somewhat. The Magpies man may still be struggling to overcome difficulties in his private life, including the assault charge filed against him last month, but coach Fabio Capello is not concerned, stating that the attention Carroll will receive from the media will help him improve.

While implying the venerable Italian lacks a part of his skeleton, 7500 to Holte’s Kirsten Schlewitz notes that the few baby faces being brought into the Three Lions set-up haven’t made for that young of a squad:

Grow a spine, Capello. Your inclusion of two youngsters with no caps, and two with one, doesn’t show me that you’ve actually managed to find your backbone. It’s time to take a chance. It’s called a friendly for a reason.

On Saturday, England coach Fabio Capello named his 23-man squad for Wednesday’s friendly against France. Almost immediately, the Hand of Fate (out of respect to England fans, I will not refer to a different Hand) intervened. Before Capello named his squad, he’d mentioned that he would give a run-out to different players and include both youngsters and those previously uncapped for his country.

Full England squad: