• England news

Capello willing to gamble on Barry and Parker

ESPN staff
September 5, 2011
Fabio Capello was happy with England's performance against Bulgaria © Getty Images
Enlarge

England manager Fabio Capello is willing to risk losing Scott Parker and Gareth Barry to suspension by playing them in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales.

England are looking to cement their position at the top of Group G with victory at Wembley, which would leave them needing a point from their trip to Montenegro to book their place in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Barry and Parker impressed in central midfield as England cruised to a 3-0 victory in Bulgaria, but both players are one booking away from suspension, meaning they would miss what could be a crucial qualifier against Montenegro if they pick up a booking against Wales.

But Capello insists that will not play on his mind when he selects his starting XI for Tuesday night's clash at Wembley.

"I don't think about this because it is very important to beat Wales, who are in really good form," he said. "I don't think about [if] yellow cards [mean] some player misses the next game in Montenegro. Instead I think about the [Wales] game. It will be a tough game because Wales will create a lot of chances to score goals."

Frank Lampard made way for Barry and Parker in Bulgaria, and despite speculation that the Chelsea midfielder had no future in an increasingly youthful England side, Capello insists Lampard remains a key member of his squad.

While Capello refused to disclose whether Lampard would start against Wales, he admitted he could change the line-up for what could be his last competitive match in charge of England at Wembley.

"Frank Lampard is a really important player like others that are here and some players that are not here like [Jack] Wilshere, Steven Gerrard and other ones," he said. "I think he's ready to play with us. I don't know if he will play [against Wales].

"Probably we can change the style to a different style to the one we played against Bulgaria because tomorrow we are playing at home."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices