Fabio Capello has revealed Matthew Upson will play in central defence when England take on Slovenia in Wednesday’s must-win clash.
(England 4/9 to win).

Capello has been heavily criticised after reports claimed that he only named his side to face Algeria a couple of hours before kick off, but now he has made it clear well in advance that Upson will play.

England will be without Jamie Carragher through suspension against Slovenia while Ledley King will miss out with a groin injury so Capello is forced to turn to Upson.

There had been suggestions that Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, who was called up as a late replacement for Rio Ferdinand, could step in but the Italian is going with the tried and tested Upson.

The West Ham stopper, who has been dogged by injury problems, has played alongside John Terry in the qualifiers and Capello will go with him again rather than take a risk on Dawson, who has yet to win a cap.

“Upson will play because he always played with John Terry and I probably will change some others,” Capello confirmed.

What other changes Capello makes will probably be kept under wraps but it comes as no surprise following the dismal performance against Algeria in the 0-0 draw on Friday.

Something has to be done to get Wayne Rooney more into the game and it would certainly help if Steven Gerrard was playing in the right position.

It looks as though Emile Heskey will make way which would allow Gerrard to slot in just behind Rooney with Joe Cole expected to come in down the left flank.

Other than that you cannot imagine the Italian will tinker too much and the majority of England’s under-performing stars should get a chance to put matters right on Wednesday afternoon.

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