England Squad Announced

[Gavmundo]

Steve McClaren has named his 23-man squad for England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra.

Newcastle ace Scott Parker was the surprise pick for McClaren, who also welcomed back Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves following a broken leg.

David Beckham's injury gave the former Middlesbrough boss one less headache as Hargreaves, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Parker contest the central midfield places.

Aaron Lennon could well be given a right wing start with Kieron Dyer or Stewart Downing on the left supplying the ammunition for likely strikers Wayne Rooney and Andy Johnson.

Watford's on-loan Ben Foster started England's friendly against Spain although Paul Robinson is likely to be back between the sticks against Israel and Andorra.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry should make up the spine of England's backline with Ashley Cole and Gary Neville the possible starting full-backs.

Cole is suspended for England's game with Israel and with Wayne Bridge also out injured Jamie Carragher could well fill in at left-back.

Peter Crouch's injury meant he was unavailable while there was no place for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry or Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.

England's 23-man squad:
Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Man Utd, on loan at Watford), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Charlton); G Neville (Man Utd), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Woodgate (Real Madrid, on loan at Middlesbrough), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Chelsea), P Neville (Everton); Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Parker (Newcastle), Carrick (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Downing (Middlesbrough); Johnson (Everton), Rooney (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham), D Bent (Charlton).

No real surprises there!

[Richie MUFC]

Bit surprised David Bentley wasnt called up... handy sub, bring him on for Dyer/Downing and switch Lennon onto the left... he's been in great form. thought david nugent might have been called up too... but i like the 4 stikers that hes got, think rooney and johnson will do well... Crouch being injured is a blessing in disguise, he just messes the whole system up. also... Scott Parker? Huddlestone (among others) is playing better DM than him right now. Finally, would have taken James instead of Carson. Carson is a good shot stopper, and has had some fine saves.. but he's about as consistent as David Beckhams hair-do's.

Good squad, lets just hope McClaren gets the formation right!!