Ferdinand, Dawson & Cahill out for England NEWS
With their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro fast approaching England face a crisis in central defence after the squad withdrawals of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Dawson and Gary Cahill.
England manager Roy Hodgson will have to reconsider his options at centre back with the withdrawal of the three players, probably the three form centre halves of the moment.
Ferdinand has been in magnificent form for his club, Man Utd, prompting Hodgson to recall him just a year after his international career appeared to be over. However, Ferdinand was forced to pull out of the squad for the qualifier double-header due to his apparent need to adhere to an 'intricate, pre-planned fitness programme', prompting theories that this is revenge by Ferdinand for his original omission and suggestions that his England career is now effectively over.
It is certainly strange that his fitness is so delicate that it precluded his availability for England's second qualifier in Montenegro next Tuesday, with his selection for Friday's game against San Marino being unlikely anyway. Club manager Alex Ferguson expressed surprise at Ferdinand's recall and was, perhaps, unhappy that England had chosen to include him after an extended absence.
Whilst the Man Utd star's withdrawal has undoubtedly been the big news it is the loss of both Michael Dawson and Gary Cahill that may be more of a blow to Hodgson as both have been in fine form for their clubs, Spurs and Chelsea, respectively.
Dawson and Ferdinand's places in the squad were taken by Spurs' Steven Caulker and Man City's little used Joleon Lescott. Cahill's withdrawal due to a knee injury that will see him miss the San Marino game led to the call up of Newcastle's Steven Taylor, although Cahill may be fit for the Montenegro game, which is good news as his experience will be invaluable, particularly as Caulker has only a single cap and Taylor has none.
Even if Cahill is available for the trip to Montenegro England will still have to field a make shift back four. It's likely that he will plump for the centre back pairing of Everton's Phil Jagielka and former Toffees team mate Joleon Lescott, who at least have the benefit of having played together before for club and country. For the tougher test in Montenegro Hodgson may prefer to bring back Cahill should he prove his fitness.
Ashley Cole should retain his place as the no.1 left back with either of Man Utd's Chris Smalling or Liverpool's Glen Johnson taking the right back spot.
Elsewhere Hodgson still has pretty much a full squad with only Aaron Lennon and Phil Jones absent of the players who would have been in contention for playing time during the two games.
England are currently second in their group, two points behind their opponents of next Tuesday, Montenegro, and they will be looking for a six point return from the two forthcoming games, results that would see them in pole position to qualify automatically for Brazil 2014.
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