Who Should Capello Start vs Spain?

February 10th, 2009 | by: Daryl | View Comments

I know it’s only a friendly, but tomorrow game against Spain is a great test. They’re European Champions and – arguably – the best team in the world right now.

And while we don’t have our full squad available – no Rooney, no Gerrard, no Joe Cole – we’re not too far off. And I actually like it when there are just one or two (or in this case three) big names missing, because that means someone on the fringes gets to play.

In this case, that hopefully means Villa’s Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young will get to start, and we can get a look at them

a) against quality opposition, and
b) surrounded by England regulars

So here’s the starting XI I’d like to see:

- – - – - – - – - – James – - – - – - – -
Johnson – Ferdinand – Terry – Cole
Beckham – Lampard – Barry* – Young
- – - – -Agbonlahor – Heskey – - – -

*or Carrick, I’m happy either way.

I’d like to see Young and Agbonlahor go the full 90, and to see Rob Green play maybe the second 45.

Would also be nice see at least one from James Milner, Phil Jagielka and Carlton Cole make their international debuts. Preferably Milner for Beckham at either the 45 or 60 minute mark. Where does that leave SWP? Sitting down I suppose.

Who would you like to see Capello start?