Davies in, Green returns for England
Monday, October 4, 2010
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Forward Kevin Davies, 33, and Rob Green are surprise inclusions in England's squad to face Montenegro as Rio Ferdinand returns after missing the FIFA World Cup through injury.
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Fabio Capello has welcomed back Rio Ferdinand and Robert Green while calling up uncapped Bolton Wanderers FC forward Kevin Davies as England look to continue their perfect start in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G at home to Montenegro on 12 October.
Manchester United FC centre-back Ferdinand returns for the first time since injuring knee ligaments ahead of the FIFA World Cup and could resume his partnership with John Terry who also missed England's first two qualifiers, victories against Bulgaria and Switzerland, because of injury. Davies is the one uncapped player in the squad, the powerful centre-forward getting his chance to impress at the age of 33, in part because of injuries to Jermain Defoe and Bobby Zamora.
West Ham United FC goalkeeper Green is rewarded for his recent good form in the Premier League. The 30-year-old is recalled for the first time since the World Cup, after being dropped as first-choice goalkeeper following England's first game in South Africa, a 1-1 draw with the United States.
Also back in the squad are Aston Villa FC full-back Stephen Warnock, who made his one and only international appearance on 1 June 2008 and Liverpool FC midfielder Joe Cole. Another to be called up is Arsenal FC prospect Jack Wilshere, 18, who is also included in England's Under-21 squad for their 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off against Romania.
Peter Crouch returns after a back problem and is joined by Tottenham Hotspur FC team-mates Tom Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon. Forward Wayne Rooney is named despite missing Manchester United's past two matches with an ankle injury. England are level at the top of the section with Montenegro who also have six points from their opening two games.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (Birmingham City FC), Robert Green (West Ham United FC), Joe Hart (Manchester City FC).
Defenders: Ashley Cole (Chelsea FC), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United FC), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City FC), John Terry (Chelsea FC), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa FC).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City FC), Joe Cole (Liverpool FC), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Adam Johnson (Manchester City FC), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal FC), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City FC), Ashley Young (Aston Villa FC).
Forwards: Darren Bent (Sunderland AFC), Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Kevin Davies (Bolton Wanderers FC), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United FC).