| STEVE McCLAREN may have his faults, but the England head coach could not be accused of failing to give himself options when he announced his squad yesterday for the friendly against Holland at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday. He named 28 players in his travelling party, of which only 17 can take part in the match. After disappointing displays in the European Championship qualifying campaign last month, McClaren could have been expected to shuffle his pack. However, after the draw at home to Macedonia and defeat in Croatia, only Kieran Richardson, the Manchester United midfield player, has been dropped. Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon and Andrew Johnson have been recalled after injury, with all of them possible starters against Holland, while McClaren has also found places for potential. Micah Richards, Michael Dawson and Ben Foster have yet to be capped at senior international level, but should benefit from the trip even if not used. Richards, 18, of Manchester City, is tipped as a possible successor to Gary Neville at right back, but can also play in central defence. Were he to make his debut, he would be the youngest defender to earn a senior cap, beating the record of Rio Ferdinand, who played against Cameroon at 19 years and 8 days. “I’ve watched Micah play a number of times and he’s a strong, quick and athletic player who has really impressed with City this season,” McClaren said. “This match provides us with a great opportunity to have a look at him over the next few days. He fully deserves his chance.” Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool midfield player, appears certain to return to the starting line-up after suspension. With Lennon a possible inclusion on the right flank, McClaren could abandon his experiment of playing Gerrard in a wide role and return him to the middle. |
