Latest World Cup News

[sky star 2]

WHITTAKER BACKS BURLEY

Steven Whittaker believes criticism of George Burley has been over the top and insists the Scotland manager should not be sacked.

Burley - and the Scottish Football Association - have found themselves under intense pressure in the wake of Wednesday's disastrous 4-0 defeat in Norway which has severely dented hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

Sections of the press have called for Burley to be removed as national team boss ahead of next month's crucial double-header against Macedonia and Holland at Hampden, which Scotland need to win to have any hope of a play-off spot.

But, as far as Whittaker is concerned, the scathing criticism Burley has been subjected to in the last few days has been unnecessary.

"I think it's been blown out of proportion," said the Rangers full-back.

"We suffered a heavy defeat but we played the majority of the game with 10 men and it's always hard to recover from that.

"We have two home games to come and we will focus on the job at hand."

Asked whether Burley should be given time to finish the job he started, Whittaker replied: "Without a doubt.

"We believe we can get two positive results and we need to go into those games believing and hopefully we will do that."

Gary Caldwell's dismissal in the 34th minute proved to be the catalyst for an embarrassing night which saw the Norwegians run riot and haul themselves back into contention for second place in group nine.

Whittaker - handed his Scotland debut in an unfamiliar centre-half position late on - admits he was at a loss to explain such a dramatic collapse after the red card.

"It was just one of those games where everything went wrong," he said.

"The team didn't cope with it great and, on another day, we might have coped with it better. Who knows? We won't know until we are in that position again.

"We started the game not too badly for the first 20 minutes until we had a man sent off. Then we didn't cope with it but, up until then, I didn't see a problem."

 

[sky star 2]

McCORMACK IN FITNESS RACE

Ross McCormack faces a battle to feature Scotland's final World Cup qualifiers after being stretchered off with a hamstring injury during Cardiff's draw with Blackpool.

McCormack pulled up sharply as he raced into a good position during the 1-1 Championship draw at Bloomfield Road.

Cardiff are awaiting news on the extent of the injury but manager Dave Jones has already ruled McCormack out of his team's next match.

A serious hamstring problem could see McCormack out for four to six weeks, making him a major doubt for Scotland's Hampden double-header against Macedonia on September 5 and Holland four days later.

"Ross definitely won't play at Plymouth on Tuesday because we heard a ping," Jones said.

The 22-year-old started for Scotland during their 4-0 defeat by Norway in Oslo last Wednesday, although he was sacrificed for a defender shortly after Gary Caldwell's 33rd-minute red card.

The former Rangers and Motherwell striker scored in Scotland's previous Group Nine clash, a 2-1 victory over Iceland at Hampden in April.

The injury may also ensure McCormack stays at Cardiff when the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

City rejected an offer from Hull earlier this month for the forward, who handed in a transfer request despite signing a new four-year contract this summer.

 

[sky star 2]

BURLEY BRACED FOR SFA TALKS

George Burley is bracing himself for talks with the Scottish Football Association hierarchy if he fails to lead Scotland to the World Cup finals.

The Scotland manager has come in for fierce criticism from some quarters following the 4-0 defeat by Norway.

Although the game turned on the 33rd-minute red card for Gary Caldwell, Burley has been questioned over his team selection, most notably the decisions to omit David Weir from the squad, leave James McFadden on the bench and play Graham Alexander ahead of Paul Hartley in central midfield.

Burley has since remained upbeat about his side's chances of clinching a play-off spot.

Scotland will secure second place in Group Nine if they beat both Macedonia and group winners Holland at Hampden next month, although they would still be at risk of losing out as runner-up with the worst record.

Burley pointed to the fact he lost three centre-backs during the Oslo clash - Steven Caldwell and Christophe Berra limped off after the break.

But he has acknowledged there will be some questions to answer from SFA chief executive Gordon Smith and president George Peat if he cannot turn the situation around.

"Once the campaign finishes I will no doubt speak to George and Gordon and take it from there," Burley said.

"My vision is to try and take my country to the World Cup. It is still possible, I still say we can do it. So we are going to give it our best shot.

"If it doesn't work out, it is there to be discussed what we are going to do.

"But we have got to be really focused, and not let anything get in our way."

Burley signed a contract until 2012 when he took over in January last year but he indicated at his first press conference that he was focusing on the World Cup campaign and not looking beyond that.

And Smith admitted after the Oslo defeat that Burley's position would be reviewed after the campaign.

"George was brought in for us to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, that was his remit when he was brought in and he was given a contract on that basis," Smith said.

"Therefore we will review George's position when we see where we are in terms of qualification."

Talk of a review strongly suggests that the SFA would be able to relieve Burley of his duties without major compensation.

But Burley insists the Oslo rout will not end his reign as he always set his sights on winning two of the last three games.

"I still feel we can beat Macedonia, and then we take it to Holland," the former Ipswich and Hearts manager said.

"That's not changed. Circumstances dictated the result. It's gone, we have got to look forward.

"It was always going to be difficult. It's still there."

 

[sky star 2]

SWISS STICK WITH HITZFELD

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has signed a two-year contract extension until 2012.

The former Bayern Munich boss, who took over from Kobi Kuhn last summer, has led the Swiss to joint top of World Cup qualifying Group Two.

"I am very happy that I can continue the work I have begun with the team and the staff," the 60-year-old said on the Swiss FA's official website.

"The Swiss FA's leadership gives us the best possible conditions so we can reach our ambitious goals.

"The qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup is not a given for a country like Switzerland, but I am convinced we will be there in 2010 in South Africa."

 

[sky star 2]

HILDEBRAND EYES GERMANY RETURN

Goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand believes his impressive display in Hoffenheim's 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend proved he is good enough to return to the Germany national team.

The 30-year-old was Hoffenheim's man of the match, making a host of stand-out saves, although he still could not prevent his side from being beaten at the BayArena.

He hopes Germany coach Joachim Low saw his performance and believes that, if he did, there is no way he can keep him out of his next squad selection.

"Normally when you make saves like that, then you are a national team player," he said.

"I am ready and cannot make saves any better than I did today.

"If you could not see today how good I am, then you never will."

Hildebrand was a shock exclusion from Low's Euro 2008 squad when he had been number two behind Jens Lehmann throughout the qualifying campaign.

He has not been called up to the national team since with Low preferring younger players such as Leverkusen's Rene Adler or Manuel Neuer of Schalke, and there does not appear to be much prospect of a return while Low is in charge.

"At the moment we are sticking with the four goalkeepers we have called up recently," Low told the Welt newspaper.

"They are Robert Enke, Tim Wiese, Rene Adler and Manuel Neuer. There is no reason to alter this.

"We are optimistic with these four goalkeepers and think we are going in the right direction with them."

 

[sky star 2]

McCORMACK IN FITNESS RACE

Ross McCormack faces a battle to feature Scotland's final World Cup qualifiers after being stretchered off with a hamstring injury during Cardiff's draw with Blackpool.

McCormack pulled up sharply as he raced into a good position during the 1-1 Championship draw at Bloomfield Road.

Cardiff are awaiting news on the extent of the injury but manager Dave Jones has already ruled McCormack out of his team's next match.

A serious hamstring problem could see McCormack out for four to six weeks, making him a major doubt for Scotland's Hampden double-header against Macedonia on September 5 and Holland four days later.

"Ross definitely won't play at Plymouth on Tuesday because we heard a ping," Jones said.

The 22-year-old started for Scotland during their 4-0 defeat by Norway in Oslo last Wednesday, although he was sacrificed for a defender shortly after Gary Caldwell's 33rd-minute red card.

The former Rangers and Motherwell striker scored in Scotland's previous Group Nine clash, a 2-1 victory over Iceland at Hampden in April.

The injury may also ensure McCormack stays at Cardiff when the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

City rejected an offer from Hull earlier this month for the forward, who handed in a transfer request despite signing a new four-year contract this summer.

 

[sky star 2]

CROATIA CLASH A SELL-OUT

The Football Association have confirmed England's World Cup qualifier with Croatia on September 9 is a 90,000 sell-out.

After starting their Group Six campaign with seven successive victories, Fabio Capello's men just require one more to confirm their place in South Africa next year.

Three Lions supporters are eager to see if their team can make it with two games to spare and avenge their defeat to Slaven Bilic's men two years ago that saw them miss Euro 2008.

However, tickets are still available for the friendly encounter with Slovenia on Saturday, September 5 (5.30pm).

 

[sky star 2]

McLEISH: WORLD CUP WILL SPUR HART

Alex McLeish feels Joe Hart could not have any greater incentive to perform well for Birmingham this season than knowing a place at the World Cup might be his reward.

After losing his first-team spot at Manchester City to Shay Given last January, Hart has joined Birmingham on a year-long loan in an effort to gain greater experience.

A regular in Fabio Capello's squads until he was forced to play second fiddle at Eastlands, Hart earned a recall for last week's friendly in Holland once Ben Foster had pulled out with a minor knee problem.

Hart's hopes of retaining his place for next month's encounters with Slovenia and Croatia were given a significant boost on Sunday when McLeish selected the former Shrewsbury star ahead of Maik Taylor for Birmingham's narrow defeat at Manchester United.

"I know Joe's ambition is to go to the World Cup," he said. "What better incentive could he have?

"I have spoken to the English coaching staff. They like Joe, rate him highly and want him to do well.

"We know he is short of a bit of experience at first-team level but we are giving him that platform.

"Now it is up to Joe to keep the jersey."

Hart did well at Old Trafford on Sunday, making a string of saves to keep United at bay.

Even though he was beaten by Wayne Rooney, the 21-year-old should keep his place for Wednesday's encounter with Portsmouth.

However, with Taylor breathing down his neck, there is no chance of Hart becoming complacent.

"Maik was a little bit unlucky not to start because of his sterling performances last season," he said.

"Now it is up to Joe because I know there is a tremendous goalkeeper knocking at the door."

 

[sky star 2]

McCORMACK OUT OF QUALIFIERS

Ross McCormack has ruled himself out of Scotland's crunch World Cup double-header against Macedonia and Holland at Hampden next month.

The Cardiff striker sustained a grade two tear to his hamstring in Saturday's draw with Blackpool.

The injury will keep him out for anything between three and eight weeks which makes the September 5 game against Macedonia almost impossible and the Dutch match four days later unlikely.

"I think it pretty much rules me out of the next Scotland games now," McCormack told the Scottish Sun on his 22nd birthday.

"It'll be difficult watching the lads playing in the games but hopefully they can get the results we need.

"I knew I'd done my hamstring as soon as I overstretched.

"I'm so disappointed about it but I'm going to take my time with things.

"I had this injury with my other hamstring last season and you've got to be careful.

"I'll work hard and hopefully come back as quickly as I can but I won't come back earlier than I should.

"It's hard that I can't do well for Cardiff or Scotland for the next few weeks.

"I'd been playing well so far this season.

"For the first game I was on the left of midfield and did really well. Then against Blackpool I was just off the front two and it was going good."

 

[sky star 2]

RIO OUT FOR 'THREE TO FOUR WEEKS'

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand out for another three to four weeks with a thigh injury.

Ferdinand suffered a slight tear in his thigh during training last week ahead of the Premier League opener against Birmingham.

Initially Ferguson felt that Ferdinand would only be sidelined for a couple of weeks. However, that estimate has now been revised.

"Rio is going to be out for three to four weeks," said Ferguson.

It means Ferdinand will miss Saturday's trip to Wigan, plus next Saturday's eagerly anticipated encounter with Arsenal.

In addition, Ferdinand now seems certain to miss the next two England games, starting with a friendly against Slovenia on September 5, then a World Cup qualifier against Croatia four days later, when victory would book the Three Lions' place in South Africa next summer.

It also raises concerns over Ferdinand's general fitness given the £29.1million defender suffered a back injury and a calf problem last season that kept him sidelined for extended periods.

There is some good news on the injury front for United though as Ferdinand's central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic is set to make his first start of the season at the DW stadium on Saturday as United look to bounce back from Wednesday's shock defeat at Burnley.

"Nemanja has trained with us for 10 days and he is ready for the game," said Ferguson.

"Hopefully he will be okay by tomorrow."

 

[sky star 2]

UNCHANGED SQUAD FOR TRAPATTONI

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has named an unchanged squad for next month's World Cup qualifier in Cyprus.

The Italian has selected the same 24 men he did for the 3-0 friendly defeat by Australia earlier this month.

Ireland face Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday, September 5 as they attempt to cement their claims in Group 8, and will play another friendly, against South Africa at Thomond Park in Limerick, three days later.

Squad: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe); John O'Shea (Manchester United), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull), Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger (both Preston); Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (Blackburn), Liam Miller (Unattached), Stephen Hunt (Hull), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Liam Lawrence (Stoke); Caleb Folan (Hull), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Coventry).

 

[sky star 2]

FLETCHER CALLS FOR BURLEY SUPPORT

Darren Fletcher has urged Scotland to save George Burley's job by winning their remaining World Cup qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Holland.

Burley's job as manager has come under threat in the wake of this month's 4-0 thrashing in Norway, which left Scotland's hopes of reaching next summer's finals in South Africa hanging by a thread.

Fletcher, who captained the side in Norway, insists Burley has his full backing, saying in the Herald: "No player wants to see a manager sacked or forced to resign.

"We want George to take us to the World Cup and anything else is just speculation. Continuity helps at this level but sometimes managers don't get enough time."

Manchester United midfielder Fletcher added: "He is a good manager, he creates a good atmosphere and tries to get us to play the right way.

"His ethos is about getting the ball down, we have a lot of attacking wide players who are exciting and want to take on full-backs and the manager preaches this. Everyone wants to play in a team like that. The manager has the full backing of the players.

"He is a likeable manager and one I enjoy playing for. With a bit of luck, he can take us to the play-offs and, who knows? He might be the manager who takes us to the World Cup.

"I'd love that for him, the team and the country. The World Cup seems 1,000 miles away just now but we're still in with a chance."

Scotland lie third in World Cup qualifying Group Nine and must beat FYR Macedonia on Saturday week and Holland the following Wednesday to stand any hope of reaching the play-offs.

 

[sky star 2]

KYLE AND WEIR GET SCOTLAND RECALLS

Kevin Kyle and David Weir have been recalled to the Scotland squad for the must-win World Cup qualifiers with FYR Macedonia and Holland.

Striker Kyle, 28, has not played for his country for more than five years but has been a revelation since joining Kilmarnock in January.

He has scored 10 goals in 14 appearances, nine of which have come in his last six games, and replaces the injured Ross McCormack in what is a 25-man Scotland squad.

Defender Weir, 39, was controversially axed by George Burley for this month's 4-0 thrashing in Norway, with the manager suggesting it was time to look at younger alternatives.

But the result in Oslo and injuries and suspensions have prompted a U-turn over the Rangers captain.

Scotland skipper Stephen McManus has also been recalled, despite the Celtic defender having not played a competitive game since last season due to a knee injury.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is back having played his first match for Sunderland in more than four months in last night's Carling Cup second-round win at Norwich.

That means there is no place for Aberdeen's Jamie Langfield.

Burnley captain Steven Caldwell has been included, although he has not kicked a ball in anger since limping out of the Norway defeat with a groin problem.

Younger brother Gary is suspended for the Macedonia game after his sending off in Oslo, meaning Weir looks likely to earn his 64th cap a week on Saturday.

Should he feature in either game, he will become the oldest outfield player to represent his country since Jimmy McMenemy in 1920.

Burley's men currently lie third in World Cup qualifying Group Nine and must beat Macedonia on Saturday week and Holland the following Wednesday to stand any hope of reaching the play-offs.

Scotland: Gordon (Sunderland), N Alexander (Rangers), Marshall (Cardiff); Barr (Falkirk), McManus (Celtic), Berra (Wolves), G Caldwell (Celtic), S Caldwell (Burnley), Davidson (Preston), Hutton (Tottenham), McAllister (Bristol City), Whittaker (Rangers), Weir (Rangers); G Alexander (Burnley), Brown (Celtic), Commons (Derby), D Fletcher (Manchester United), Hartley (Bristol City), McFadden (Birmingham), Maloney (Celtic); Clarkson (Bristol City), S Fletcher (Burnley), Kyle (Kilmarnock), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).

 

[sky star 2]

WALCOTT OUT OF ENGLAND GAMES

Arsene Wenger insists there is "no way" Theo Walcott will be fit for England's upcoming fixtures as the Arsenal forward continues to recover from a back injury.

Walcott has not played for the Gunners this season due to the problem and Wenger insists he will not be rushed back.

The Arsenal manager has confirmed he will leave Walcott out of his squad for Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United.

And Wenger does not want his player to link up with England for their two matches early next month.

Fabio Capello's men face Slovenia in an international friendly on September 5before taking on Croatia in a World Cup qualifier four days later.

Wenger does not expect Walcott to be fit enough to return to action with England and will continue to monitor the youngster's progress.

"He has pain - he is out of the United game," the Arsenal manager said in the Daily Telegraph.

"England? No. There is no way. It would not be realistic.

"His last (competitive) game was in June. We are now in August. We wait until he has no pain."

 

[sky star 2]

LOW TRIES OUT KEEPING OPTIONS

Germany coach Joachim Low has promised both Rene Adler and Robert Enke that they will get 90 minutes each in the upcoming matches against South Africa and Azerbaijan.

Low has named his 23-man squad for the friendly in Leverkusen against the World Cup hosts and for the World Cup qualifier in Hannover and confirmed that the two goalkeepers would play in the venues of their home clubs.

Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese and Schalke's Manuel Neuer have been earmarked to keep goal in Germany's next two friendly matches against Chile in Cologne on November 14 and Egypt in Gelsenkirchen four days later.

Neuer is also part of the latest 23-man squad named by Low in case of an injury to either Adler and Enke wrecks his plans, but Low insists no decision has yet been taken as to which of the four goalkeepers is his current number one choice.

"We will make our minds up as to who keeps goal for the two decisive World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Finland in October nearer the time," he said.

Low has also called up Marko Marin and Andreas Beck for the first time since the summer trip to Asia while Simon Rolfes and Lukas Podolski also return after missing the trip to Azerbaijan earlier this month due to injury.

"We had left Beck and Marin out of the trip to Azerbaijan in agreement with the players so that they could train hard with their clubs," explained Low.

"Now we are delighted to have them back with us. They are two young players who, together with under-21 European champions Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, we want to integrate into our squad for the World Cup."

Low has picked a larger squad than usual to enable him to make the most of the extended break for internationals.

The Germany coach got to see his players for only two days before the 2-0 win in Azerbaijan and is looking forward to working on a few more things this time.

"It is the first time in almost a year that I get the team together for 10 days," he said.

"That means that we can plan to spread our training over a longer period of time, which is important to us.

"Therefore, I am convinced that we will play a lot better in Leverkusen and Hannover than we have in our last games."

Low's squad will meet on Monday evening in Cologne, where they will begin preparations for the friendly against South Africa.

Squad: Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Robert Enke (Hannover), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Marcel Schafer (Wolfsburg), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (Schalke), Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Thomas Hitzlsperger and Sami Khedira (both Stuttgart), Marko Marin and Mesut Ozil (both Werder Bremen), Christian Gentner (Wolfsburg), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg), Cacau (Stuttgart), Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose (both Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne).

 

[sky star 2]

SENNA BACK FOR SPAIN

Marcos Senna has been recalled to the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying home double-header against Belgium and Estonia.

Senna, a key member of Spain's Euro 2008-winning side, has recovered from the hamstring injury that forced him to miss this summer's Confederations Cup tournament and the recent friendly with FYR Macedonia and takes his place in a 22-man party.

The 33-year-old midfielder is the only addition to the squad selected for the Macedonia match, with Osasuna defender Ignacio Monreal, who was called up for the first time to cover for the injured Sergio Ramos, retaining his place.

Spain play hosts to Belgium on September 5 in La Coruna before meeting Estonia in Merida four days later.

Vicente del Bosque's side have a 100% record after six qualifying games, leaving them top of Group 5, six points ahead of second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina and within touching distance of a place in next year's finals in South Africa.

Squad: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal); Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Ignacio Monreal (Osasuna), Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol (both Barcelona); Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Xavi (Barcelona), David Silva, Juan Mata (both Valencia), Albert Riera (Liverpool), Marcos Senna (Villarreal);

Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

 

[sky star 2]

HENRY RECALLED BY FRANCE

Thierry Henry has been recalled to the France squad for the World Cup doubleheader against Romania and Serbia but there was still no place for Patrick Vieira.

Barcelona striker Henry missed Les Bleus' 1-0 win against the Faroe Islands earlier this month due to an Achilles injury but is now fit ahead of the start of the new La Liga season.

France coach Raymond Domenech has been true to his word with Vieira after stating he would only recall the former Arsenal midfielder if he played more games.

Vieira started Inter Milan's 1-1 draw with Bari at the weekend but was taken off at half-time with coach Jose Mourinho opting instead for the more offensive-minded Ricardo Quaresma.

France hosts Romania at the Stade de France on September 5 before going to Serbia four days later.

Domenech's side are currently second in Group Seven, five points behind Serbia, but they have played a game less.

The France squad is: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon) Steve Mandanda (Marseille); Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla); Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon); Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Loic Remy (Nice), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

 

[sky star 2]

LOOVENS EARNS HOLLAND CALL-UP

Celtic defender Glenn Loovens has been handed his first call-up by Holland for their upcoming fixtures against Japan and Scotland.

Coach Bert van Marwijk has also included Eljero Elia and the Hamburg striker could make his debut in the friendly against Japan, which will be staged in Enschede on September 5.

Holland will then travel to Scotland four days later for their final World Cup qualifier, with Oranje already assured of top spot in Group Nine and a place in South Africa next summer.

Holland squad:

Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Piet Velthuizen (Vitesse Arnhem), Michel Vorm; Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Glenn Loovens (Celtic), John Heitinga (Atletico Madrid), Edson Braafheid (Bayern Munich), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Andre Ooijer, Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax); Ibrahim Afellay, Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), David Mendes da Silva, Stijn Schaars (both AZ Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax); Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).

 

[sky star 2]

WE CAN BEAT ANYONE - CAPELLO

Fabio Capello points to Wayne Rooney and England's lack of fear when he explains the differences between now and the last time Croatia played at Wembley.

Rooney suffered a freak training-ground injury to miss the previous encounter with Slaven Bilic's men in London, which was the final act of Steve McClaren's reign and the sign that change was required.

Nearly two years later and Capello has turned England around, with seven wins from as many World Cup qualifiers and the chance to book their place at the finals by beating Croatia a week on Wednesday.

It would be a symbolic victory after the shambolic end to McClaren's tenure where defeat to Bilic's side meant failure to reach Euro 2008.

Capello, comparing those dark times to the current situation, said: "We improved a lot in the confidence because now we play like a team and we can play against every country and we can beat them. Every team. I'm sure of this. They have a belief now.

"I'm excited. Sure. If we go to South Africa it will be important for me and the team.

"First you have to win to get to South Africa, then you have to play. Getting to South Africa is the first step, then it is step by step.

"For me success will be qualification."

Capello is cautious about talking up the chances of victory - at the Football Association's offices at Wembley he touched wood when reminded about the defeat to Croatia in 2007 - but was given a taste of what success means to the country following Ashes glory for England's cricketers.

"I'm happy for them," he said. "I don't know about the future - but I hope. I know how important it is to win and beat the best team in the world.

"It is like this in every country and in this country because we won the title (World Cup) a long time ago."

Since Mladen Petric's winner 22 months ago, Capello has taken his side to Zagreb and won 4-1 courtesy of a hat-trick by Theo Walcott, who misses this clash with a back problem.

Rooney shone on that occasion and is approaching this qualifier - and before that the friendly against Slovenia on Saturday - with 10 goals from his last eight international games.

"Rooney is a really important player, he's incredible and young - he can improve a lot with more experience and confidence in himself," Capello said.

"That will be really important - to score more goals. He is already scoring but he can improve in everything. When he trains with me he stays a long time on the pitch, this is really, really important to improve.

"He has potential to be one of the best players in the world but it is not always the best player who plays the best World Cup. It depends on the moment when we arrive, if they are in good form or not."

Capello will make six substitutions against Slovenia, who were chosen to play at Wembley because they have a similar style to Croatia.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is in the frame for a recall, while Michael Owen is in the preliminary shortlist but may not make the final cut.

"His movement in the box is really good, he is fast and understands when you have to go to the goal," Capello said of Owen.

"We have to wait. He has not played a lot of games and has to understand the style of United and integrate with the other players and understand the movement and the passes and everything."

 

[sky star 2]

LENNON URGED TO REALISE POTENTIAL

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is set for a recall to the England squad after impressing Fabio Capello ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

Lennon, 22, offers an alternative to Theo Walcott, who has a side strain and will miss the friendly against Slovenia on Saturday followed by the World Cup qualifier against Slaven Bilic's men four days later.

Capello is keen to unleash pace on Croatia after Walcott devastated them with his speed in Zagreb earlier in the season.

"Lennon can play one-on-one and is very dangerous because he's quick," Capello said. "Potentially he is really good.

"He's young. He needs to understand his potential and have confidence in this potential. It's really important because some players are really good but don't understand their own potential."

Capello watched Lennon last week when his winner against West Ham send Spurs to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

"He can shoot with his left or right - he scored a goal against West Ham with his left," Capello said. "But I think he has to improve the confidence in himself.

"I saw the game against West Ham and he played well but we have always followed him because he has already played with us. He is a very interesting player. He is young. When a player is fit and in good form I put him in the squad.

"Always the quick players are really important. But not only speed, because you have to be good technically."

Capello also has David Beckham and Shaun Wright-Phillips competing for a place on the right flank.

"I have a lot of choice on the right. I'm happy." he added.