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Rooney, Barry injuries give Capello headaches
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-11 10:02
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Ledley King, a likely backup for Ferdinand, has such problems with his knees that he barely trains and usually misses every other game for Tottenham. That would make him a liability at the World Cup where teams play every five days.
"I am happy that Ledley King has played four games (for Tottenham) in 15 days," Capello said. "And I am happy that he played four games well."
Joleon Lescott has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since March but there is good news for Capello that Ashley Cole is back after breaking his ankle and scored in the last game of the season in Chelsea's 8-0 demolition of Wigan which clinched the Premier League title.
Wayne Bridge, who was expected to be Cole's backup, has ruled himself out, however, deciding to quit playing for England after reports that teammate John Terry had an affair with his ex-girlfriend. It was the massive publicity that followed those allegations that prompted Capello to take the captaincy away from Terry.
With so many defensive problems to solve, Capello may even consider recalling Jamie Carragher at the age of 32, with reports suggesting that the Liverpool defender is now willing to end his three-year international retirement.
Aaron Lennon is fully fit after another long spell out with a groin injury and Capello has the luxury of choosing from several players on the right of midfield despite the absence of Los Angeles Galaxy star Beckham.
By contrast, he is struggling to find a consistent goalkeeper and the right strike partner for Rooney, while the likes of Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey and Theo Walcott have struggled to find any form in the last few weeks of the season.
