Capello’s cap fits

Sunday, 28/02/2010

We all know Fabio Capello has changed England’s fortunes. He’s turned the Three Lions into a team with belief – made a side of underachievers get closer to where they should be.

But his latest squad shows yet again that he is a man of his word. Players who are fit and playing well get a chance.

The surprise choice – and not because of the weekend’s other news – was the selection of Ryan Shawcross from unfashionable Stoke City.

But should it have been a surprise? The lad’s been one of the Potters’ best players and many have sung his praises. He has proved that there can be life after Manchester United.

Top marks to Fab for watching and then picking him. And a big tick too for selecting Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock for what could be a problem left-back spot with the World Cup on the horizon.

Both have been enjoying good campaigns and this is their chance to prove a point with the door to the international squad slightly open.

I have no doubt too that Capello would also have selected Fulham’s Bobby Zamora had he been fit. The former West Ham man hasn’t always had the rub of the green and he’s been a bit like Emile Heskey in the past – that his goals return doesn’t always reflect how well he has been playing.

I think Bobby Z has a lot of talent and a guy like the England boss – and his Fulham manager Roy Hodgson – would be the one to bring out the best in him.

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