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Michael Owen
Over and out? It looks like Michael Owen will not be getting any more England caps

England's World Cup squad

16 Nov 2009


One to go. After their defeat to Brazil, England have just one more friendly before Fabio Capello must name a provisional squad for the World Cup in South Africa.

There were few outstanding candidates on duty in Qatar last night, which probably strengthened the claims of those who were not there.

Here, we assess the probables, possibles and no-hopers on the road to World Cup glory.

Goalkeepers Is Ben Foster forcing his way to the top spot? It is now eight games since David James started for England, although he did come on as substitute in the Ukraine. Robert Green has done well on enough occasions to feel that, injuries withstanding, this particular area is sorted.
Probables: David James, Robert Green, Ben Foster.
On holiday: Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Chris Kirkland.

Defenders This is starting to get messy. Capello's preferred back-four were all unavailable last night and Rio Ferdinand's continued problems are causing a real concern. In addition, Wes Brown looked very shaky last night. Wayne Bridge was not much better and neither Joleon Lescott not Matthew Upson were totally comfortable.
Probables: Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Ashley Cole.
Possibles: Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge.
On holiday: Gary Neville, Stephen Warnock, Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate, Micah Richards.

Midfield Shaun Wright-Phillips did not do enough to force his name beyond that of Aaron Lennon, who has impressed lately but was injured last night. Jermaine Jenas blew his final audition but James Milner is starting to look more like a probable than a possible. The big winners last night were long-term casualties Owen Hargreaves and Joe Cole, who know there are places to be won if they can produce for their clubs.
Probables: Theo Walcott, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard, James Milner.
Possibles: Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole.
On holiday: Jermaine Jenas, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing.

Attack The service to Darren Bent was terrible but he made no impact with what he did get. Carlton Cole benefitted from not being involved. Crouch and Agbonlahor look like battling for the final spot.
Probables: Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe.
Possibles: Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Gabriel Agbonlahor.
On holiday: Darren Bent, Michael Owen.

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