Ferdinand could make comeback against Croatia

September 9, 2008

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could be set to make a return to action for England against Croatia on Wednesday for the 2nd 2010World Cup qualifying game.

Ferdinand trained with the squad on Monday and is set to travel to Croatia but it is still not definite that the defender will fully recover from his neck and back problems in time.

Capello is so far undecided as to whether he should start the 2 goal hero Joe Cole on Wednesday.

“I’ve got to think about Joe. He is very good for himself at the moment and very good for us. But I have to decide what the first 11 will be.

“It will be another game - and it will be a different sort of game.”

Joe Cole has not started a match for England since March but the last few substitute appearances for England have earned firstly a draw at home to Czech Republic and the win against Andorra so he could be set to take the place of Stewart Downing who showed little to justify his inclusion on Saturday.

England captain John Terry commented: “Coley came on with a fresh pair of legs and showed great movement for his first goal and the second one. They were two great finishes. He was fantastic.

“I am delighted for Coley. He has been on fire at Chelsea and he has come on and turned things. When he is not in the team he is really frustrated because he wants to play. I am delighted for him.”

The side that Capello played on Saturday was a bit more experimental with Theo Walcott out on the right of midfield but it is expected he will revert back t either Beckham or Bentley on the right hand side of midfield.

Beckham though is not assuming he will be a pick saying: “Every player wants to play. We’ve got a very good squad of young players that want to play. Everyone in the squad wants to play a game.

“There are going to be disappointed players but that is the way it is in football.

“Do I expect a recall? We will have to wait and see. We have got players in our team that can play in any game of football, whether it be out here in Barcelona, where it is not going to be as hostile as on Wednesday, or in Zagreb.

“It will be a tough game but, although we might have some young players in our team, they have played in some of the biggest games in football with their clubs. They have got that experience.”

The right midfield position may not be the only change to the England team with the possible inclusion of Ferdinand, Brown and Heskey in place of Lescott, Johnson and Defoe.

England face a real challenge against Croatia after getting beat both home and away against them in the Euro 2008 qualification but Capello says they are going for a win.

“Croatia will be another game, not like Andorra, We have to play to win, always.

“I followed Croatia a lot in the European Championship. They are a good team and when they play at home the fans help the players a lot. The fans are very strong in terms of emotion and passion.

“Are England good enough to get a result? Yes, I think so. I am confident in my team.”

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