Wayne Rooney has been dropped from Fabio Capello’s squad to play in friendly games against Spain and Sweden.
England coach Fabio Capello revealed that he had explained that he was looking towards other options in the build-up to the Euro 2012 group games next year as Rooney is currently banned from the opening 3 games of that tournament subject to an appeal which the FA has instigated in the last few days.
Rooney’s Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck retained his place in the squad while Rooney himself is believed to have had a conversation with Capello and understood the reasons behind his omission.
There were call-ups for former Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge and Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell but no place for Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards or Liverpool’s Andy Carroll.
Richards, who had been playing well for City recently, later commented on Twitter: “Well well well!!!! Disappointed is an understatement!!”
His City team mate Joleon Lescott and Liverpool’s Glen Johnson have been named in the squad.
Manchester United’s Ashley Young is injured.
England squad to face Spain and Sweden: Joe Hart (Man City), Scott Carson (Bursaspor), David Stockdale (Ipswich); Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Gary Cahill (Bolton), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham); Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Adam Johnson (Man City), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Bobby Zamora (Fulham), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd).