Bent in Capello's thoughts

The England coach is likely to be short of strikers for next week's encounter with the Czech Republic at Wembley with both Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen struggling to make this weekend's big Barclays Premier League kick-off - and unlikely to be risked on international duty.

"It is possible," said Capello. "Bent only played at the end of last season but Tottenham paid a lot of money to sign him and two years ago he was a very important player at Charlton."

The former Charlton man has not figured for England since Steve McClaren's reign came to such a disastrous end.

But assistant coach Franco Baldini watched him play for Spurs against Roma at White Hart Lane on Sunday and Capello signalled his exile might be about to end.

Capello added: "Baldini told me he played very well so we will have to wait and see."

Rather than announcing a large squad on Thursday, then cut it down once the weekend's opening Premier League fixtures have been completed, Capello will name his squad on Saturday evening.

It seems an odd strategy given three games, potentially including a dozen key men, do not take place until 24 hours later.

"The most important games will be played on Sunday, so it is dangerous," nodded Capello, without explaining why he could not delay until Sunday.

The eagerly-awaited decision on who will be captain has been pencilled in for Tuesday, with Rio Ferdinand favoured to edge out John Terry.