England coach Fabio Capello was unable to fully experiment with his midfield options on Monday after Michael Carrick joined centre-half Ledley King on the sidelines (England 10/1 – World Cup Outright).
King is struggling with a groin problem and has already been ruled out of the crunch World Cup Group C clash with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth where only a win will guarantee the Three Lions passage into the last 16 in South Africa (Slovenia 13/2, draw 16/5, England 4/9 – match betting).
Capello’s tactics have come under fire from all quarters, with his reluctance to use Joe Cole baffling to players and fans alike, and it seems certain he will change his midfield for the final group game following back-to-back draws with USA and Algeria.
And although Carrick can only be classed as an outside bet to come into England’s engine room, the fact an ankle knock picked up in training on Sunday kept him out of today?s session will be another irritant to perfectionist Capello.
The England coach is puzzled by his side’s Jekyll and Hyde character after claiming their performances in matches bear little resemblance to the work put in on the training ground (England 4/9 – To Qualify From Group C).
The Italian said: “It almost feels like all the work of the last two years has been for nothing. I am not happy because we have worked hard for 20 days.
“You see all the things during the training. Then on the pitch it is completely different. As a manager, when that happens it is no good.
“I don’t understand why during a game we don’t change the rhythm or the speed. We are really slow.
“At this World Cup if you don’t run or press or fight it is difficult to go forward.”
Capello’s more likely decision on Wednesday will be to recall Joe Cole which was alluded to by former captain John Terry when he faced the media on Sunday.
Terry is baffled at how far the former West Ham youngster and current free agent has fallen down the pecking order for both club and country.
The Chelsea skipper said: “Joe is one of the best players in our country. He and Wayne Rooney are the only two who can open up things up.
“It still amazes me how Chelsea have come to the conclusion of letting Joe go. But he can surely do things for England whether he starts or comes on.”
Nevertheless, Terry also took the chance to dismiss rumour of a split in the England squad over Capello’s strict regime.
He insisted: “I have seen a few reports myself. There is no unrest in the camp at all.
“I’m here on behalf of all the players to say we are all fully behind the manager. Everyone is positive.”
England will be forced into one change against Slovenia after Jamie Carragher picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Algeria. Either Matthew Upson or the uncapped Michael Dawson will stand-in for the Liverpool man.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.
Fabio Capello has revealed Matthew Upson will play in central defence when England take on Slovenia in Wednesday’s must-win clash.