Micah Richards should have been one of the first names on the England squad sheet – why did Fabio Capello not select him?
England have matches against Spain and Sweden taking place over the next few days, something which should give some indication as to how competitive the Three Lions are likely to be in Euro 2012 next summer.
Twenty-five players have been selected by Fabio Capello and, while it was no surprise to see Rio Ferdinand or the injured Steven Gerrard left out, the absence of Micah Richards is glaring in the extreme.
Richards led out Manchester City at Loftus Road on Saturday evening in the absence of the suspended Vincent Kompany and has played most games for the Premier League leaders this term.
The City defender took to Twitter after the squad was announced to diplomatically say: “Well well well!!!! Disappointed is an understatement!!”
He then later tweeted: “Oh well better look next time! Roll the sleeves up and work harder! #cantstopwontstopdontstop”.
What makes the Richards omission even more puzzling is the fact that Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are involved, both players who currently feature for teams near the bottom of the Premier League.
While Kyle Walker’s performances merit inclusion, the dearth of decent right-backs and the fact that Richards can play in that position means that there is surely a possibility that Capello simply forgot to pick Richards!
England squad: Hart (Manchester City), Carson (Bursaspor), Stockdale (Ipswich Town); G Johnson (Liverpool), Jones (Man Utd), Cahill (Bolton Wanderers), Terry, Cole (both Chelsea), Baines, Jagielka (both Everton), Lescott (Man City), Walker (Tottenham); Lampard (Chelsea), Rodwell (Everton), Downing (Liverpool), Barry (Man City), A Johnson (Man City), Milner (Man City), Parker (Tottenham), Walcott (Arsenal); Bent (Aston Villa), Sturridge (Chelsea), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Zamora (Fulham), Welbeck (Man Utd).
