Final England World Cup Squad Announced!

June 1st, 2010 | by: Matilda |

south-africa Well after much speculation and frustration the full World Cup 23 man squad was announced at 16:00 BST (that’s 10:00 central time for you Statesiders) by the FA. So without further ado (look, I’m not like the FA!) here is the squad:

Goalkeepers
Robert Green, Joe Hart, David James
Defenders
Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Forwards
Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney

Which means that Theo Walcott, Darren Bent, Adam Johnson, Scott Parker, Michael Dawson, Leighton Baines and Tom Huddlestone will not be on the plane to South Africa.

The object of the most discussion on the (amazing) liveblog was the abandonment of Walcott. I think he wasn’t included because of his similarity to Aaron Lennon, and Lennon is the more convincing player. This is partially due to more play time this past season but the fact is (WARNING: Arsenal fans look away now!) Lennon is a better player. He gives better balls and is less injury prone. I completely agree with Fabio on this one.

However, I didn’t agree with all of Fabio’s selection. Leighton Baines was dropped to make room for Stephen Warnock. Aston Villa is a more popular club than Everton, and they experienced more success the season, but I still think Baines is more solid at the back. I also would’ve taken Dawson over Upson, but that’s my Tottenham bias showing through. Other than the obvious hole at right back, our defenders look pretty solid. It would be interesting to see how King linked up with Ferdinand or Terry, and though I don’t want to jinx our centres, I hope he gets a chance.

A lot of people are also up in arms over the exclusion of Adam Johnson, pointing out that perhaps England aren’t fostering their youth very well. However, the World Cup is not the place to pick up experience, it is for showing off what you’ve already developed. Try again in four years Adam.

For the record, Rob won the England WCB accuracy prize, correctly guess 5/7 of Capello’s cuts. SoccerLimey and Ethan hold up the middle with 4/7, while I lost with a poorly 3/7. I think I’ll give myself a bonus point for guessing Walcott wasn’t getting on the plane though. Excellent.
So what do you think of Don Fabio’s selections? Do tell.

England Football Team World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://england.worldcupblog.org Ethan D-R

It’s a shame that it’s only socially acceptable to use one adjective to describe that liveblog, otherwise I’d recommend: stunning, fantastic, unbelievable and any number of others.

Also, poor Theo: I’ll keep saying it.
Emily

How rude! WHERES WALCOT? HE IS AMAZING
dfgdg

sfgsffgs
john

Do you think England will win the 2010 WORLD CUP?

sites.google.com/site/soccerworldcupsa2010/
Stephan Cheesburger

Squad numbers have been confirmed as:
1. Green
2. Johnson
3. A Cole
4. Barry
5. Ferdinand
6. Terry
7. J Cole
8. Lampard
9. Crouch
10. Rooney
11. Gerrard
12. James
13. Hart
14. Carragher
15. King
16. Milner
17. Carrick
18. Heskey
19. Lennon
20. Upson
21. Warnock
22. Defoe
23. Wright-Phillips
stillgiggling

Never has a blog made me laugh more! Lennon less injury prone than Theo!!! Ha ha ha, and his a better player – ho ho ho! Who has scored more for England (Theo 3 Lemmon oops Lennon 0). Which one scored the best goal per game average in the premiership this year – you’ll never work it out cos Lennon is best! Finally which one has played in the Champions League and scored? (easy one really) I am off to the bookies to find out the odds on Lennon being injured against the USA.
Stephan Cheesburger

Based on the squad number announcement (which normally gives a good indication of the starting 11) it looks like Theo AND Lennon are missing out. I expect Joe Cole and Gerrard to occupy the wide positions.

Joe Cole is probably the most deserving of the number 7 which is why Fabio has handed him the jersey.
Michael Gay

SO Lennon get’s the imfaous Gazza 19 shirt – good for him!

Also Milner is lucky to get the number 16 – it’s a nice number, although I expected him to wear the number 7 rather than Cole.
Pete Fidler

Why on earth has Crouch got the number 9?

Should have gone to Heskey who is Roo’s best strike partner.
George

Walcott is fast but when you cannot kick or pass a ball properly you cannot make the squad. Sorry theo but take up sprinting instead.
Fabio Capello

England world cup 2010 squad numbers
1. Green
2. Johnson
3. A Cole
4. Barry
5. Ferdinand
6. Terry
7. J Cole
8. Lampard
9. Crouch
10. Rooney
11. Gerrard
12. James
13. Hart
14. Carragher
15. King
16. Milner
17. Carrick
18. Heskey
19. Lennon
20. Upson
21. Warnock
22. Defoe
23. Wright-Phillips
Zizou

hi guys, been commenting on the offside for ages but never thought to come here, so sorry if i’m repeating some stuff here.

I got many problems with the england’s selction, but Fabio is the best manager england have had in a long time so you gota trust him.

Although i don’t watch as much PL as I do La liga, i’m suprised Carrick got called up over Parker, who was West Ham’s player of the season whereas Carrick didn’t seem to feature much for Man U this season, also if there’s any Blackburn fans here they may back my up, whenever I have seen David Dunn play he’s impressed me a lot.

Who you guys think will be Englands no.1 goalie aswell?
SAMBO

Where did u get those squad numbers from i can’t find them anywhere??
Burnzee

WHERE IS DARREN BENT & WALCOTT! Not impressed at all, as for Heskey worst record ever for an England striker, useless! Darren Bent second top english premier league goal scorer not on the team! might as well of kept Steve Mclaren!!!
Foggy

I’ve sen those squad numbers on a couple of other sites.

if they are right then:

——————Green——————-
——————————————
———-Ferdinand——Terry————
G Johnson—————————A.Cole
——————————————
————————-Barry————
————–Lampard———————
——————————————
—–J.Cole——————-Gerrard—–
—————–Rooney——————-
——————————————
——————–Crouch—————-

Subs:

Hart
Carragher
King
Warnoch
Upson
Carrick
Milner
Lennon
SWP
Heskey
Defoe
James

A little short on pace with Cole instead of Lennon
but it looks like a good side to break down teams who will sit back.

Not bad! In fact, it looks like a side that could do pretty well.

(If only A. Johnson was in there instead of Upson or King…)
Danny

Robert Green looks obvious to be the man between the posts on June 12th, as mentioned by Stephan, the squad number typically indicate who will be the starting 11. I’m kind of Hartbroken (pun intended)
Rod

I am very surprised to see Walcott missing and I would have liked to see A. Johnson included, but whatever. Well I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how England plays. I guess Heskey was included because Rooney supposedly plays well with Heskey on the field? This is just something I have heard, but I don’t see how that would be. Does anyone have anything to say about this? Has anyone else heard this?
Cuomo

should be in: Parker,Dawson,Bent & Walcott
should be out: Heskey,Carrick,King & SWP
Johnny b BAD

Yes!! I love the starting 11 (based on squad numbers). It seems me and Mr. Fabio share the same brainwaves.

Walcott is too one-dimensional, get over it. Maybe in 4 years he’ll have developed a footballing I.Q., but for now he’s not even close to world-calibre. I’m glad Capello cut him.

My prediction: this is the team that will win us the World Cup.
http://soccerlimeyinamerica.com SoccerLimey

I have faith in Capello to take the players whom he thinks can do the job for him, but I have to say that I can’t figure out why we’re taking 5 centre backs. With Carragher now available, surely that gave us a “wild” card selection which I would have used to take Adam Johnson. He would give us a look on that left side that no-one else in the squad can do. Puzzling.

Not surprised to see Walcott dropped. Probably the worst thing he ever could have done was score that hat-trick against Croatia. All that served to do was triple expectations for the kid. There’s a reason he doesn’t start for Arsenal and that is he doesn’t have the character and graft to go with his pace.

I read that Capello not only looks for talent and skill, but also drive and personality. hence the choice of Warnock over Baines.

And now we wait……….
bluemoon

I just came to the club everyday. Worked hard and eventually there realized they needed me. I don’t known what content that Big Don discuss to Theo but it may be how easily he injured and the one direction he always plays in right wing that not the right attacker midfield in modern football that need more directions form the right site he has the gift in pace and skill but Theo should concern about strenght and aggressive that should to react opposite players who kick him so way not to kick same (if they want to break your leg so why Theo not) I just came to the club everyday for build the body to thick and strong , go to the library to watch King Henry play and use his pace for team and finally build self esteem to believe you can be scorer
http://soccerlimeyinamerica.com SoccerLimey

I heard that Capello gave the players all their club squad numbers. Are you kidding me ?
Skizz

Lennon less injury prone than Walcott? You are kidding me right?

And SoccerLimey he couldn’t have given them all their club numbers, mainly because David James and Rob Green would both be wearing #1, there isn’t a #25 for Stephen Warnock, Lampard and Milner would both wear #8 and Rooney and Joe Cole share #10.
DJ

I am not surprised that Walcott is out. Great speed but poor end product. I would have picked Adam Johnson ahead of Wright Philips who has had a pretty poor season whereas Johnson has looked a real impact player. I would have also given the nod to Baines ahead of Warnock.

I don’t think we have a great defence with keepers average at best, except perhaps Hart who will probably be third choice. But we have the potential to be strong in midfield. Our ability to compete with the best teams is entirely about Rooney being fully fit and us building the attack around him.
Coventry Fan

I understand why Capello chose Lennon over Walcott, but I don’t understand why he chose SWP over Walcott. What does SWP have to offer that Walcott doesn’t? I’m very baffled by that selection…as well as Carick.

Oh well…these are the 23. Godspeed England…please return with a trophy this time!!!
Neil

Are these really the official squad numbers? I can’t see it myself, Steven Gerrard will wear the number 4 shirt. All of the sports shops and websites are selling Gerrard 4 shirts, that’s his number for England, he might not like it but that is a FACT! Even the FA are not as stupid to give Gerrard the #11 shirt. He is one of the few players that has his own number, such as Lampard #8, A Cole #3, ferdinand #5, Terry #6 etc. etc. Also in the past goalkeepers for England have always worn 1, 13 and 22, and generally in recent years, the remaining squad numbers after are 11 are given to defenders, midfielders in the mid to late teens and the other strikers 20, 21 etc. I might be wrong about this, but it is a FACT Gerrard will have the #4 shirt.
Tony Pinis

Steven Gerrard was quoted as saying he didn’t want to play for England stuck with the number 4 shirt, which belongs to a defensive minded player. It was decided by the FA that the world cup would be the ideal place to introduce a new number that he can retain for the rest of his England career. Let’s not forget his is the vice captain and has a say in these matters! He was offered the choice between 7 and 11 and opted for 11 and he doesn’t feel comfortable filling the expectations of the number 7 shirt.

Let’s not forget number 9 used to be Rooneys official number but it was changed to 10 at HIS request!

I agree with the most part of all other squad numbers except would
have liked to see Hart given the number 1.
Martin haymaker

I agree re Gerrard. He is likely to play upfront with Rooney so surely cannot wear the number 4!!!!
Peter File

I wonder if we’ll see young Lennon pull off a Gazza type performance as he has the great Gazzas 19 shirt
Glenn10

Where is everyone getting this squad number info from?? It is not on BBC Sky or FA, so therefore not official.
Ploinky

Just read the ENGLAND squad is the o l d e s t of them all.
Germany the third y o u n g e s t . Oh-oh …
Nigel fokker

These squad number are official – I have seen them on various websites. Joey Cole must be thrilled to get the number 7 shirt
Angela Fruitfan

Who cares about squad numbers. They should have just given them out 1 – 23 alphabeticaly.
Glenn10

“These squad number are official – I have seen them on various websites. Joey Cole must be thrilled to get the number 7 shirt”

They are only on forums, where any can just make them up, not official
Homosexual

I doubt anyone would make them up!!!
Glenn10

You would hope not, but no-one is able to provide an actual source where this info has come from, other than other forums.
Jay Poopey

I am really Glad we can finally stop seeing Gerrard wear number 4. It suits Barry fine. Should sways be worn by a defender or holding midfield player. Gerrard is neither.
david haley

I think fabios made a mistake in leaving out Adam johnson I think hed bring flare 2 the team!
http://www.redcardfc.com redcardfc

An interesting fact is the team is one of the oldest squads there has been and in total there are over 900 caps. Lets hope experience counts. From the team at Red Card Football Clothing.
Electric T

As an Arsenal fan I love Walcott but even i have to admit that he doesnt have a football brain. I think Lennon is a lot more street wise. Also with the inclusion of Heskey I think we shouldnt question Capello. Its always been an Italian philosphy to pick the best team rather than the best 11. The fact that they have won so many world cups perhaps justifies this philosophy.
tobias

happy for Joe hart, i think he is the future england no 1
not so for teo walcolt what a fall from grace, from all the hullabaloo of he making the 2006 team when he was surely too young to now that most people believed that he has matured and then he was drooped.He was simply unlucky as England has three excellent wingers and have take only two.A big surprise for was Jamie caragher making the squad the Liverpool man has made what really look like a return from the dead.
http://england.worldcupblog.org/ Matilda

If anyone can cite a link from a legitimate website, then we can do a whole other blog post on the squad numbers. Until then, I think it’s wisest not to complain about those number, nor draw any conclusions from them.
Heskey Fan

Heskey has the biggest Penis in the England squad. FACT.

He should have had first choice on squad numbers. I doubt he chose 18….
rooneyFan

Japan vs England (1 – 2) Friendly Video Highlights
Japan vs England (1 – 2) Friendly Video Highlights

England vs Mexico (3 – 1) Video Highlights
vN

Peter File? Tony Pinis? Nigel Fokker? What is this? A carry on film?

Green I wasn’t too surprised to see given number 1, but it’s interesting that Cole was given 7 over Lennon. Really, though, I’m not all that bothered whether Cole or Lennon will play (or whoever else gets moved about if both): it’s a good squad, and it’ll be a strong first XI.

For the lack of any real news over the next week or so (besides Barry, I suppose), I’m hoping the BBC choose some decent World Cup coverage intro music. 2002’s was rubbish; and 2006’s was OK, but I could have done without all the ridiculous self-important posing. (Seriously, that has GOT to stop.) I’m hoping for a bit of 90’s Nessun Dorma- or 98’s Pavanne-esque bit of inspiration, but I’m not all that confident quite frankly…
Va Gina

I’m surprised Gerrard chose 11 over 7, if he had the choice.

7 suits him more I would have thought – more shirts with his name would have been sold as it’s a more popular number. Lots of people buy international kits based on the number rather than the name, as the number is on the front and back. Name is only on the back.

I wont be buying a Gerrard 11 shirt, I can assure you!
Tony Cock

Good news that Gerrard is no longer wearing number 4. Good work Fabsio
Michael Gay

For anyone that missed it:
Squad numbers have been confirmed as:
1. Green
2. Johnson
3. A Cole
4. Barry
5. Ferdinand
6. Terry
7. J Cole
8. Lampard
9. Crouch
10. Rooney
11. Gerrard
12. James
13. Hart
14. Carragher
15. King
16. Milner
17. Carrick
18. Heskey
19. Lennon
20. Upson
21. Warnock
22. Defoe
23. Wright-Phillip
http://mine collette

this is from todays paper with different squad numbers than already quoted!!!

ENGLAND SQAUD NUMBERS
*1. David James
2. Glen Johnson
3. Ashley Cole
4. Steven Gerrard
5. Rio Ferdinand (capt.)
6. John Terry
7. Aaron Lennon
8. Frank Lampard
9. Peter Crouch
10. Wayne Rooney
11. Joe Cole
12. Robert Green
13. Stephen Warnock
14. Gareth Barry
15. Matthew Upson
16. James Milner
17. Shaun Wright-Phillips
18. Jamie Carragher
19. Jermain Defoe
20. Ledley King
21. Emile Heskey
22. Michael Carrick
23. Joe Hart

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1283509/England-World-Cup-squad-numbers-revealed-David-James-wear-No-1.html#ixzz0plD4mJeo
a. harvey

its a joke that jamie carragher gets to go to the world cup. the squad that got england to the finals should be given the chance to play the finals. not a red sh*te who lets everyone else do the work only to steal a place from under the nose of those who got england there…..its wrong. phil neville would have been a much better player to take.
scouser

@a.harvey
Good joke, mate!
Giv me a laugh!
YNWA
Javier Rubio

Final Inglaterra Plantilla… de Fabio Capello

1. Joe Hart (portero)
2. Glen Johnson
3. Ashley Cole
4. Steven Gerrard
5. Rio Ferdinand (el Capitan)
6. John Terry
7. Aaron Lennon
8. Frank Lampard
9. Jermain Defoe
10. Wayne Rooney
11. Joe Cole
12. Stephen Warnock
13. Robert Green (portero)
14. Matthew Upson
15. Ledley King
16. Michael Carrick
17. Shawn Wright-Phillips
18. Gareth Barry
19. Emile Hesley
20. James Milner
21. Peter Crouch
22. David James (portero)
23. Jamie Carragher
http://mine collette

Squad now confirmed on The FA website, its the one i quoted earlier from The Daily Mail

http://www.thefa.com/England/News/2010/EnglandSquadNumbers
Big Beez

I too am surprised to see Jamie Carragher in the squad, he’s not the most talented of players, not an England regular, and Liverpool have severely underperformed this season to put it nicely.

I also disagree with the inclusion of Heskey… Experience goes a long way, but he’s not played a lot this past season, and he isn’t the greatest of players anyway.

Lastly, something I’d love to see, is Milner getting a start over Carrick or Cole, he’s played his heart out all season for Villa, I hope he can bring the same passion through to the bigger stage.

COME ON ENGLAND!!
toby

Who cares about numbers? 99.9 per cent of us outside of England hope you lot of over-rated, over-hyped, and overpaid bunch of tossers get thumped, and are on the first plane back home. Germany will win the Cup,and show you lot of third rate so called footballers what playng football is all about.
hari

i think that team is the best one for the england so they can win as they wish , all the best england
Brian

Given all the players current form this is about the best it can get.
Hats off to Capello for that.
Is it possible he can do a Ramsey? Unlikely – but not impossible.
We’ll probably be holding our heads up with a certain amount of pride – but winners – How lucky can we be?

My team selection on this seasons performance and current form
4-4-2 or 4-5-1

Hart

Johnson or Carragher
Terry
King
Cole

Wright Phillips
Gerrard
Lampard
Milner

Rooney
Defoe or Crouch

Bench
The two ors James Dawson Warnock Carrick then J Cole or A Lennon

A little extra thought – we have versatility Carragher can play anywhere in the back four – Milner (my player of the seasons – and I’m not a Villa fan) can play anywhere in midfield and Right back – J Cole either flank – A Cole left side midfield.
I hope all these possible switches are not needed as think how many injuries it would mean.
http://www.gamebattles.com lala land

lala ENGLAND GOING ALL THE WAY!!
Bda17

I reckon Crouch could be a huge weapon for England – he will cause havoc during corners and free-kicks, especially with Terry attacking on these moves as well. Crouch’s England record is excellent. Maybe start with Heskey first-half to batter the defences, then bring on Crouch for the second-half.
http://shiteteam welshy

gerrard needs to explain his posision more sounds like a dead reckord cant boil an egg rooney captain in my eggs ferdinand can make a big diff on sideline eggin on the team sorry its my view
utpal…

khankiiiiiiiiii
uuuu

chudiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Max I

@Toby, did Ireland qualify?? Nah didn’t think so,

So in reality you call us crap, but not only did we invent the game, we also qualified and have won in the past, so what does that say about your shitty football club?

Also notice how posters from other countries are cool with us, so your 99.9% turns out to be just you.
Aimonx

I don't really agree for his first-eleven. You can't find either Lennon or Gerrard crossing the ball to the center forward, so they are no use of Heskey of even Crouch. And how is it possible for gerrard to play as the Right Midfielder? I don't know what's on Fabio's mind. I suggest,

David James
Glenn Johnson – Stephen Warnock(as Ferdinand injured) – John Terry – Ashley Cole
Aaron Lennon – Michael Carrick – Frank Lampard – Joe Cole
Jermain Defoe – Wayne Rooney@Peter Crouch

This will absolutely make a success. England need to win against Slovenia.
Eloisewood

Actually thet have!!!!!!!!