Playing Premiership football is tough enough, but knowing that the man who decides whether you go to the 2010 World Cup or not is there to judge you too? That’s a lot to think about.

Which is why I have all kinds of sympathy for West Ham’s Carlton Cole.

Because with Fabio in the stands he first did this:

Which had to have Carlton wondering whether he wanted a window seat or an isle seat on the plane ride to South Africa.

But followed it up with this:

Not only giving away possession under almost no pressure, but also gifting a goal to potential 2010 squad place rival Jermain Defoe.

The only upside for CC is that maybe Capello watched the “Carlton Cole through ball to Jermain Defoe” manoeuvre and saw not a terrible terrible error, but a potential big-man little-man strike partnership instead.

One of those guys is 22 year old West Ham midfielder Mark Noble. I like him because he seems smart, lively and has an eye for a pass. He captained the Under 21s all the way to the Euro 2009 final this past summer, but is now no longer eligible. Oh, and he can strike a ball. Like this:

So great start to 2009/10 for Mark Noble, and the time seems right for him to step up to full international status. Only question: With Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Carrick already established, and Jermain Jenas and Owen Harfgreaves never too far away, is there room in the England squad for another central midfielder?

Probably a smart move to be honest – Owen has scored 4 goals in 6 games but in friendlies against teams Fabio wouldn’t be impressed by. On that subject though, David Beckham keeps his place, despite his move back to the Galaxy.

No Peter Crouch either, which I find surprising as he seemed to fit in, along with Heskey into Fabio’s gameplan pretty well. Full squad after the jump.

Foster (Manchester United), Green (West Ham), Robinson (Blackburn); Bridge (Manchester City), A Cole (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Johnson (Liverpool), Lescott (Everton), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham); Barry (Manchester City), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Carrick (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Milner (Aston Villa), Walcott (Arsenal), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Young (Aston Villa); Cole (West Ham), Heskey (Aston Villa), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Tottenham).

Thoughts?

Agbonlahor has been desperately out of form as of late, the Villa striker not scoring since his last England call up, and hence his lack of place in the current squad. It seems to be Fabio’s way, to just pick whoever is in form at the moment, but I wonder if its the best long term plan, or if we should be looking for a settled squad.

To be fair, Capello geniunely seems to approach things one match at a time, he doesn’t appear, outwardly to be a long term thinker. And I’m not trying to stick the knife in, hell, its working so far.

But looking forward, say England do make the 2010 World Cup. Are we then not going to pick our best 23, but rather the 23 who’ve had the best last ten matches? It seems okay in qualifying, but I worry that we’d get found out against a side of real quality.

A good example is Carlton Cole. He’s had a good run of form this season, but really, I’m still not entirely convinced he’s England quality. A good run of form would give him confidence, sure, but when he’s staring down a Buffon or Iker, surely the fact that he actually isn’t that great would come to the fore?

I don’t want to be a doom merchant, by any means. Indeed, I have to thank Capello for making watching England a joy again rather than a chore.

Sven of course, largely went with trying to build a settled squad. He was unlucky in that players like Gerrard, Beckham, Owen and Rooney were picking up injuries in and around big tournaments. But thats the major flaw with that plan – injuries will always come.

So really I’m just pondering the question, which in the long term is the best option? Having a settled squad that knows each other inside out, but may be lacking in a bit of form, or picking whoever happens to be playing well at the minute?

Despite reports over the weekend, Kevin Davies does not get his first callup (sigh of relief?)

Full Squad reads

Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham United), Ben Foster (Manchester United)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), John Terry (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), David Beckham (AC Milan), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool).

Forwards: Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

Hmm. I look at that front line, and its not terrifying is it? That squad screams 4-5-1.

Elsewhere, King is kind of an odd one -if he geniunely can’t train properly and can’t do more than one game a week, I don’t see that he’s that useful a squad member myself.

As for Lennon, well yes he provides a different option on the right, and he is in form, but assuming Theo Wallcott is fit enough, I’d much rather see him in that squad to be honest.

Other than those niggles, its fine. I’m learning to trust Fabio – he’s done alright by us so far.

Thoughts?

Fabio also thanked Sir Alex’s non-interfearence policy by not picking Wayne Rooney anyway, replaced in the squad by Gabby Agbonlahor, who has the company of five of his teammates in the squad.

Rob Green also (at last) gets his call up. Full squad, and my reaction, after the jump.

Goalkeepers: Green (West Ham), Hart (Man City), James (Portsmouth).

Defenders: Bridge (Man City), A Cole (Chelsea), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Jagielka (Everton), G Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham), L Young (Villa).

Midfielders: Beckham (LA Galaxy), Barry (Villa), Carrick (Man Utd), Downing (Middlesbrough), Lampard (Chelsea), Milner (Villa), Wright-Phillips (Man City), A Young (Villa).

Forwards: Agbonlahor (Villa), C Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Portsmouth), Heskey (Villa).

Looks okay, other than perhaps a lack of firepower up front. I don’t really think the England squad is ready for yet another Cole just yet, despite his good form. I assume however that Fabio will continue playing 4-5-1, with Agbonlahor leading the line.

I assume Ashley Young is going to play Left against Spain too, which is an overdue call-up for him. Gareth Barry and Stewart Downing can both play in that position as well. There’s obviously a few inclusions that are there just because of injuries (Milner), but its an ok midfield.

I do think its good to see Green in the squad (I’d like to see him play too to see how he copes with a semi-pressure enviroment), Jags has played well for Everton, and its good to have both Terry and Rio for once.

Beckham will of course equal Bobby Moore outfield record if he plays (he likely will) against Spain.

Not bad, Fabio.

It is transfer season! A time where clubs buy players they want and sell players they don’t want. (Even though sometimes this is not always the case). Anyway, there has been transfer rumors about the following English players. I will give you my opinion on what would be best for England for each individual.
Frank Lampard: In previous years he has been rumored to go to Barcelona, Juventus, Milan, and Inter Milan. Recently, the Inter Milan rumor has been stronger than ever due to the fact that his favorite manager José Mourinho is there now. It appears José wants him for 6.6 million. I think Lampard has played his best under Mourinho and he will grow as a player playing in the Seria A. My final verdict is go to Inter Milan.
Gareth Barry: The England player at the moment it seems. The only good thing Macca ever did as manager was calling Barry up. Barry is now wanted by Rafa. Barry can play in a number of positions, but the position I care about is central midfield. I do not know what position Rafa would want him to play in. I doubt it will be left fullback. Rafa has recently signed a Swiss and is after an Italian for that position. It could be as a holding midfield, but he has Mascherano and Lucas for that. Rafa has been after that several wingers and Barry could play in that role if he has to. It would be ideal if Barry could partner Gerrard in the midfield, but Gerrard does not always play in the center of midfield. My final verdict is stay at Aston Villa.
David Bentley: He wants out of Blackburn. A number of clubs want him, including to Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Spurs. He needs first team action to fight off Mr. Becks. My veridct is to move to a bigger club and hope you’ll get first team action.
Peter Crouch: He has to leave Liverpool! My final verdict is go to any club that will offer first team action.
Andrew Johnson: West Ham and Aston Villa want him among others. I have always enjoyed watching him with his hard work attitude. My final verdict is go to Aston Villa.
Tom Huddlestone: I have always enjoyed him at Spurs and the U-21s. Everton are interested in him. My final Verdict say go to Everton.
Paul Robinson: He won’t get first team action at Spurs. Aston Villa need a keeper and like having English players in their squad. My final verdict is go to Aston Villa.
Scott Carson: His England career is over before it really began. My final verdict is try to appeal to FIFA and play for Wales.
Michal Richards: Man Utd have been long time admirer, but what kind of Man City player would go to Man Utd? Also Gary Neville and Wes Brown are there and the last thing England needs is a A. Cole/Bridge at Chelsea issue. My final verdict is to stay at Man City.
Nicky Shorey: Must leave relegated Reading to get another call-up. My final verdict is to go to any EPL club that will offer first team action.

Next England match: August 20th vs Czech Republic

My apologizes for the long post.

Goalkeeper: David James (Portsmouth)

Right Back: Wes Brown (Man Utd)
Centre Back: Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Centre Back: Matthew Upson (West Ham)
Left Back: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Right Winger: David Bentley (Blackburn)
Central Midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Central Midfield: Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd)
Left Winger: Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Support Striker: Joe Cole (Chelsea)
Striker: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

Initial thoughts: I can understand selecting David James in goal – he’s the in-form English keeper at the moment – but I would have liked to see one of the younger keepers, ideally Scott Carson, given the opportunity to play. Playing Matthew Upson and Wes Brown as part of the first-choice back four is an interesting decision, but the latter makes a great deal of sense: Brown plays right-back for the best defence in the Premiership, and does so alongside Rio Ferdinand. The alternative – Micah Richards – has been playing at centre back for the entirity of this season, and so playing him at right-back makes little sense. As for Matthew Upson, I’m skeptical, but expect to be proved wrong.

The midfield looks beautiful – I’m really looking forward to seeing it in action tonight. Up front, it will be fascinating to see Joe Cole in the support-striker role, since he hasn’t really played in that position since joining Chelsea. He seems more suited to that role than that of a left winger, and this could be Capello’s first masterstroke.

Thoughts?

“Alright lads, now we’re going to learn about thumping a long ball upfield…”

Goalkeepers:
Scott Carson – Aston Villa
David James – Portsmouth
Chris Kirkland – Wigan
It was a foregone conclusion that Paul Robinson would be dropped from the England lineup, given his recent form, but it’s still amazing how quickly he’s fallen from grace. In the space of less than a year, he’s gone from England’s first-choice keeper to not meriting selection at all. Enough about him, though. Scott Carson is the future of England, and should be the starting goalkeeper.

David James is, of course, a better goalkeeper than Scott Carson; at 38, he has to be. The problem with James from a long-term perspective is that he has, at most, another season or two left in his career. Scott Carson is just 22 and could have another 15 years ahead of him. Selecting James might make sense now, but it’s very unlikely that James will be able to play in the 2010 World Cup – and the man most likely to represent England in 2010 is Scott Carson. So far, Carson has played in only one competitive international match, against Croatia last year. His performance that night was appalling, but it’s hard to condemn him for it when his manager, Steve McClaren, handed a competitive debut to a 22-year old in a must-win game against the best team in England’s qualifying group in an act tantamount to professional negligence. I’m just glad Carson managed to carry on and not let the experience against Croatia harm his club form. As for Chris Kirkland: he’s a decent goalkeeper, but his performances at Wigan haven’t been spectacular and he should clearly be the third-choice keeper in the squad.
England WC Blog Selection: Scott Carson starting, David James on the bench.

Defenders:
Wayne Bridge – Chelsea
Wes Brown – Manchester United
Ashley Cole – Chelsea
Curtis Davies – Aston Villa
Rio Ferdinand – Manchester United
Glen Johnson – Portsmouth
Ledley King – Tottenham
Joleon Lescott – Everton
Micah Richards – Manchester City
Nicky Shorey – Reading
Matthew Upson – West Ham
Jonathan Woodgate – Tottenham
There are a lot of names here, but not many of them strike me as likely candidates for the final team. Rio Ferdinand is a shoo-in; he’s the best English centre-back by far, and barring injury over the weekend, will play against Switzerland. The other centre-back berth is a bit less obvious. John Terry is still injured, and so isn’t an option. Ledley King is back to fitness and I still think he’s the stiffest competition John Terry has for his place in the squad – you only have to witness Michael Dawson – and the Tottenham defence – transforming from useless to competent whenever he’s on the pitch to realise that both Tottenham’s season and England’s qualification campaign might have been very different with a fit Ledley King. The alternative is Joleon Lescott, who is in good form for Everton, and although I don’t rate him at all, Capello might be concerned about relying on a player as injury-prone as King. The other central defenders in the named squad – Jonathan Woodgate, Curtis Davies, and Matthew Upson – have potential, but aren’t as good as King and Ferdinand. Both of them strike me as “for the future” selections – they won’t be playing this time around, but they could be soon if they get more league games under their belts this season and next. This is especially true of Davies, who is 22 and has only played 8 Premiership games in his career. On the left, Ashley Cole was McClaren’s first choice, and I’d be surprised if Capello deviates from that decision. The one player who could beat out Cole is Reading’s Nicky Shorey, who is talented and in excellent form – and it would be nice to see another non-big-four player in the England lineup – I’d pick him. At right-back, the options are Micah Richards, Wes Brown, and Glen Johnson. Of those, Micah Richards is the strongest, and young enough to be a fixture of the England squad for years to come.
England WC Blog Selection: Nicky Shorey, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Micah Richards

Midfielders:
Gareth Barry – Aston Villa
David Bentley – Blackburn
Michael Carrick – Manchester United
Joe Cole – Chelsea
Stewart Downing – Middlesbrough
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Owen Hargreaves – Manchester United
Jermaine Jenas – Tottenham
Shaun Wright-Phillips – Chelsea
Ashley Young – Aston Villa
This is where it gets seriously difficult. Every person on this list is good enough to start for England – selection will depend on Capello’s match tactics more than the players themselves. With that in mind, Owen Hargreaves is the most likely to be in the team. He’s intelligent! He’s a holding midfielder! And bloody good at it! How can Capello resist? Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick can also play in that position, with the latter more likely to be selected. Capello has played with two holding midfielders before, so we might see two of the three on the pitch at once. Non-holding central midfield options are pretty diverse. Jermaine Jenas is playing really well for Tottenham at the moment, while Steven Gerrard’s recent England outings haven’t been particularly spectacular; it’s a toss up between the two on the basis of current form. On the left wing, the options are limited to Stewart Downing and Joe Cole, of whom the latter is good and the former, rubbish. On the right wing, things are much more complicated, with Bentley, Wright-Phillips, and Young deserving of inclusion. Only one of them will get to play in the first XI, however, and my money is on Ashley Young.

Strikers
Gabriel Agbonlahor – Aston Villa
Peter Crouch – Liverpool
Emile Heskey – Wigan
Michael Owen – Newcastle
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United
Pretty straightforward. With two men up front, Agbonlahor and Rooney are the only options. Crouch doesn’t play often enough; Heskey has forgotten how to score for England; and Michael Owen is in the midst of possibly the worst form of his life. If playing with a lone player up front, I honestly don’t know who I’d pick: Crouch couldn’t do it against Croatia, Owen can’t score for his life at the moment, Heskey can’t score (period), Gabriel Agbonlahor is inexperienced, and Rooney tends to drift out of games when he’s up front alone.

All in all, a fairly interesting selection. I’m anxious to see the final choices for the match, however, as that’s where Capello’s personality will really shine through.

EDIT: I just realised that I forgot to discuss David Beckham, so here goes:

He’s not match fit. He hasn’t played a competitive match since November. It would be an insult to those young right-wingers (Young, Bentley, Wright-Phillips) who are playing and playing well to select Beckham for nothing more than sentiment.

Beckham is a great player. He has a lot to offer the England squad and there is no reason that he can’t figure into Capello’s plans in England’s World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign. If Beckham continues to play and to push himself, he will get his hundredth cap. More importantly, he will earn the honour of that hundredth cap.

Beckham has done great things for England, and he deserves every one of his ninety-nine caps. To hand him his hundredth simply so he can retire with a a round number should offend anyone who cares about England, and frankly, should offend a man like David Beckham who has never ridden on his reputation and has earned every appearance in the national shirt.

I admire David Beckham; I want to see him play in the England shirt again; I do not want him to accept a cap merely for the sake of having 100.