England injury list gets longer

Fabio Capello’s injury headache seems to be getting worse by the day with Shaun Wright-Phillips the latest high calibre player to join the injury list. Capello already faces a dilemma in the goalkeeper and defensive positions for England’s big summer qualifiers for the World Cup next year.

The big first choice players all look like they will take part without any problems but the worry is that without much back up then if a Gerrard or Lampard gets injured, there is very little to come in and replace them. It is a thorn in the side for the Italian because he will be hoping that England can secure qualification with six points from their next two qualifying matches.

The depth of the problem is highlighted by the fact that Capello has handed a call-up to veteran right back, Gary Neville of Manchester United. He may also be joined by Nedum Onuoha of Manchester City and the manager of the latter, Mark Hughes, says Onuoha would be the better pick: “''He has really come on this season. He has always been viewed as a kid with huge potential. As an athlete he had the tools to be a top-rate player.”

“If he did get in the full England squad it wouldn't faze him. He is a very level-headed guy.”

England should not have any problems with this current qualifying campaign. They look a lot stronger and tougher than the days of failure to qualify for Euro 2008. The injury news could be pounced upon by a number of players wanting to make an impression. This could well end up lifting the spirit of the side and turn out to be quite refreshing for all concerned.

Opportunities are starting to arise that would otherwise have not been available and whoever gets given the nod by Capello will want to prove to him and all England fans that they are good enough to be able to warrant a regular place in the side. These players will want to make sure that we are all crammed into pubs by midday next summer hoping to cheer success in our thousands.

There is still the massive Champions League final to be played on Wednesday night and no doubt Capello will have one eye on proceedings hoping that no more of his high profile stars goes off with a little niggling injury that keeps them out of any international plans.

However, England should not be down at the injury problems they are facing. It was not too long ago that we took a side over to Germany that was heavily unfavoured by everyone before promptly beating the old enemy with a brilliant display of guts and determination.

This could be the opening of a door for a lot of players, a massive chance to be seized upon and the opportunity for individuals to never look back. It is unlikely that this could happen in any position other than with one of the goalkeepers, but there are a lot of hungry English players and they won’t care who the opposition is if they are given a start.