Fabio Capello defends decision to rest players

Published on Monday 28 March 2011 18:11

FABIO Capello has defended his decision to send five key men back to their clubs ahead of England's sell-out friendly with Ghana at Wembley tonight.

Chelsea trio John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge, Wayne Rooney went back to Manchester United and Michael Dawson headed back to Tottenham after starting Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales. It is a move that leaves Capello open to accusations of bias given the 20 players left - Aston Villa's Kyle Walker has been ruled out through injury - are all equally important to their own clubs.

But the Italian insists he is not favouring England's Champions League representatives, merely acknowledging their extra workload during a period of the season when they are most at risk of injury.

"I decided the five players to let go because they had just played four games in ten days," said Capello. "I respect the players and the clubs and I have done this because the players are important for the national team and the clubs.

"The players in the Premier League are only playing three games, not four. This is a big difference."

Capello is, however, retaining Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon, who will all hope to play a part in Spurs' mouthwatering quarter-final first-leg encounter with Real Madrid next Tuesday.

And Manchester City, who are likely to have three men in Capello's England XI, including skipper Gareth Barry, are hardly lacking incentive either this season given their desperation for a top-four finish.

Capello confirmed Phil Jagielka will partner Gary Cahill in central defence, with Leighton Baines occupying the left-back berth.

There will also be a second England start for Liverpool new boy Andy Carroll.