To the left features a team of players who didn’t make England’s World Cup 2010 squad for one reason or another. We’ve included those who have been out of the reckoning for years, and those that missed out narrowly.
Perhaps the most notable inclusions (in this squad of exclusions) are Micah Richards and David Bentley, as both are fit and able – but unwanted! It appeared a couple of years ago they were likely to become first-team regulars. Richards burst onto the international scene under Steve McClaren and performed well in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. But there are apparently doubts with regard to his attitude and Fabio Capello has overlooked him. Bentley was lined up as David Beckham’s successor for right-midfield. But his career has tailed-off somewhat, although he was playing regularly for Premier League high-achievers Tottenham towards the end of last season.
Owen Hargreaves would certainly have made the 2010 squad if he had been fit, and he would form a good central midfield partnership with internationally-retired Paul Scholes. If Dean Ashton’s career had not been sadly ended by injury, then he could well have made the World Cup squad as a more rounded forward than Emile Heskey. Ashton’s fellow striker is Michael Owen who has experienced numerous injuries over recent years. And (despite an ongoing media infatuation) it didn’t appear that Capello loved him much either! Adam Johnson missed the party for South Africa narrowly: as one of England’s most exciting wingers he could be a regular by Euro 2012 – he’s also left-footed so a handy resource.
Elsewhere in the team, Jonathan Woodgate’s career has been blighted by injuries, whilst former impermeable monolith Sol Campbell’s career must be nearing its conclusion. Wayne Bridge exiled himself from the squad for personal reasons, having been no.2 left-back for many years. In goal, Paul Robinson’s international career was damaged by a freak error against Croatia back in 2006. Robert Green may have suffered a similar experience in 2010!
If this team was fit, willing and loved, how would it have fared in South Africa?
They couldn’t have done much worse, even with their crutches!
I wanted Micah Richards to have had more of a chance before the tournament (Dr Ted can testify). Bad attitude or not, he needs to be considered for future right back. Glen Johnson is clearly not good enough.
I also argued for Bentley’s inclusion before the tournament, but I don’t think it would have made a huge difference.
As an aside, Jack Rodwell should be involved in upcoming games (even as a sub). By the next world cup he could be a huge player for us.