Fabio Capello Loses Big Guns for Friendly to the Delight of Ferguson and Benitez

I do find it ironic that with a mid-season England friendly coming up, the so-called big guns of the squad have already pulled out. Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard leads the absentees, with Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney also missing out.

Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson are obviously playing the game. This just shows me that Capello has not overpowered the most dominating managers in the Premier League as of yet. I am sure that Martin O’Neill, Tony Adams, and Mark Hughes would want their most influential players at their club training this upcoming week.

To their players, however, a call-up means more.

Not being a "powerhouse" in the league is a hindrance rather than a benefit, as it does seem that the big managers do have their own ways.

Gerrard has occurred a mystery torn leg muscle injury that I am sure if was wearing Liverpool’s red he would be playing. I am certain he will be playing for the Reds next weekend.

Ferguson clearly left out Ferdinand and Rooney to protect them further injury and with the England game on Wednesday it was only convenient that they happened to miss the Stoke City game as well. They were not missed as Manchester United hit Stoke for five, as the Red Devil's depth of talent was too much for the Potters.

The matter of it only being a "friendly" does come into the situation.

I am sure if it was a competitive international Fabio Capello would have shown more urgency in forcing those players to join the squad, much to the annoyance of Ferguson and Benitez.

John Terry is also struggling but you see no signs of him pulling out. You would see Terry playing centre half if he had two broken legs, impaired vision, and severely bruised nipples.

He would still perform better than the Arsenal joke of a defence at present.

The person who I feel much sorrow for is Manchester City’s Joe Hart. He was possibly in line to make an appearance, unfortunately, the former England No. 1 Paul Robinson has taken his place, and I bet Tottenham still wished they had him.

Emile Heskey will not be able to carry on his good run of form for the Three Lions as injury has robbed Capello of his main striker. Even with Rooney and Heskey missing, Capello has overlooked Michael Owen once again.

Owen has only been making cameo appearances for Newcastle United at present, so it is understandable that the lack of match practice and sharpness should be in question.

Chelsea’s Ashley and Joe Cole are going to miss out and Manchester United’s Wes Brown will also be missing.

However, this may be Capello’s chance to oversee his fringe and future players. Not really a full strength squad to play one of best teams in the future then.

Uncapped Aston Villa pair Curtis Davies and Gabriel Agbonlahor may have the chance to shine, as will the surprise inclusion Michael Mancienne.

The Chelsea youngster has been rewarded for his fine performances in the U-21s. The defender is currently on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers and performing well.

Without the big players, England versus Germany loses significance. Although it was not Capello’s choice, next year's friendlies against Slovakia and Slovenia have been touted so England can play morale-boosting games, rather than money-spinning ones.

I am sure that these problems of withdrawing players will still be in effect next year. Capello needs to make some ground and assess these players for himself, especially if it is in a competitive fixture.

With new players involved in the squad it will be interesting—but I am sure Capello would prefer his strongest at his disposal.