Ashton's told to get rid of the flab by Fab

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ashton was out for 18 months after breaking an ankle in an England training session but is now fully fit and has been impressive for West Ham in pre-season.

England play the Czech Republic in a friendly a week tomorrow and Capello is expected to include the striker in the squad when it is announced on Saturday.

But the coach today said that he delivered an ultimatum to Ashton to shed some weight during the summer. The 24-year-old played in England's last game against Trinidad & Tobago but ahead of the May friendly Capello and his medical staff apparently asked Ashton to shed two kilos in weight. "We followed Dean in a lot of games last season and he was very good but he had injury problems before that," said Capello.

"He has since told me he is fit now. I spoke with him in Trinidad and I told him he had to lose weight and be better physically because technically he is good but he is not quick."

Meanwhile, another England striker, Theo Walcott, has been backed to make a big impression this season.

Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole believes the 19-year-old is ready to shine for Arsenal and has tipped Walcott to force his way into Capello's plans.

"I was really impressed with the way Theo Walcott finished the season," said Cole. "If people aren't demanding he's in the England team, they're writing him off.

"But I think he'll develop into a world-class player if people just give him some space to express himself."