McClaren names England squad

[Delima]

Skysports

 

Again I don't understand why Phil Neville is picked ahead of Joleon Lescott. When Valente is out Lescott is always picked ahead of Neville. Why would McLaren opt for Neville ahead of Lescott? Glad to see our Parker in the squad.

 

McClaren names England squad

 

By James Pearson -  Created on 16 Mar 2007

 

Steve McClaren has named his 23-man squad for England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra.

 

Newcastle ace Scott Parker was the surprise pick for McClaren, who also welcomed back Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves following a broken leg.

 

David Beckham's injury gave the former Middlesbrough boss one less headache as Hargreaves, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Parker contest the central midfield places.

 

Aaron Lennon could well be given a right wing start with Kieron Dyer or Stewart Downing on the left supplying the ammunition for likely strikers Wayne Rooney and Andy Johnson.

 

Watford's on-loan Ben Foster started England's friendly against Spain although Paul Robinson is likely to be back between the sticks against Israel and Andorra.

 

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry should make up the spine of England's backline with Ashley Cole and Gary Neville the possible starting full-backs.

 

Cole is suspended for England's game with Israel and with Wayne Bridge also out injured Jamie Carragher could well fill in at left-back.

 

Peter Crouch's injury meant he was unavailable while there was no place for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry or Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.

 

England's 23-man squad:

Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Man Utd, on loan at Watford), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Charlton); G Neville (Man Utd), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Woodgate (Real Madrid, on loan at Middlesbrough), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Chelsea), P Neville (Everton); Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Parker (Newcastle), Carrick (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Downing (Middlesbrough); Johnson (Everton), Rooney (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham), D Bent (Charlton).

[Dave]

Absolute joke to leave Barry out.

 

PS - 'Newcastle ace Scott Parker...'

[Yorkie]

Good to see Hargreaves.

[ElDiablo]

How embarassing must it be to be the likes of Phil Neville and Parker in that squad? Surrounded by top drawer players, knowing you'll not get a game.