Tonight’s England vs France friendly will be unique based on the fact that it will mainly be contested by younger talents.
Injuries have sidelined the stars that fans wanted to see in that match, so England captain Rio Ferdinand has urged boys to become men. Players like Kieran Gibbs, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson will be lined up in the Three Lions’ starting XI, Coach Fabio Capello confirmed earlier on.
Meanwhile, England will have to make do without several top players. For example, Joe Hart just pulled out with a back injury whereas Phil Jagielka is yet to be confirmed as fit.
Both Frank Lampard and John Terry have also long been ruled out since they need to spend time on the sidelines. Wayne Rooney isn't an exception on the injury front either.
However, Rio Ferdinand refuses to view England’s injury worries in a negative manner. As he told the press during an interview, he thinks it’s time for the country’s new generation to step up.
“There’s been a catalogue of injuries, but it just gives other people an opportunity. That’s the best way to look at it.
“A lot of players have pulled out. I think that’s disappointing for the manager in preparation for the games coming up. He would like to see them to build a team.
“But well, it opens up the door for others to do well. We’ve got a lot of young players. Stevie [Gerrard] and I were just standing there in training and saying, ‘it’s a really young squad’.
“It’s exciting, really. It’s nice. You want to see what these players are like under the spotlight with England. There is no better feeling than seeing a young lad getting his first game for England, to take it all, and to hopefully cap it off with a good display.
“It reminds me of how I felt 13 years ago. They [the young lads] have to grasp these opportunities when they come along, because they don’t come along very often.
“Anyone who does get a chance to play, or even in training can make an impact. As a young player, you’ve got to understand that a lot can be told from how you train.
“If you train well with England, the manager will notice that. It will give the manager something to think about.”
England’s Fabio Capello is indeed yet to stick to a default national team selection. Who knows? One of tonight’s young players that will feature against France may transform into the Three Lions’ main hero in a few years to come.
Meanwhile, England will have to make do without several top players. For example, Joe Hart just pulled out with a back injury whereas Phil Jagielka is yet to be confirmed as fit.
Both Frank Lampard and John Terry have also long been ruled out since they need to spend time on the sidelines. Wayne Rooney isn't an exception on the injury front either.
However, Rio Ferdinand refuses to view England’s injury worries in a negative manner. As he told the press during an interview, he thinks it’s time for the country’s new generation to step up.
“There’s been a catalogue of injuries, but it just gives other people an opportunity. That’s the best way to look at it.
“A lot of players have pulled out. I think that’s disappointing for the manager in preparation for the games coming up. He would like to see them to build a team.
“But well, it opens up the door for others to do well. We’ve got a lot of young players. Stevie [Gerrard] and I were just standing there in training and saying, ‘it’s a really young squad’.
“It’s exciting, really. It’s nice. You want to see what these players are like under the spotlight with England. There is no better feeling than seeing a young lad getting his first game for England, to take it all, and to hopefully cap it off with a good display.
“It reminds me of how I felt 13 years ago. They [the young lads] have to grasp these opportunities when they come along, because they don’t come along very often.
“Anyone who does get a chance to play, or even in training can make an impact. As a young player, you’ve got to understand that a lot can be told from how you train.
“If you train well with England, the manager will notice that. It will give the manager something to think about.”
England’s Fabio Capello is indeed yet to stick to a default national team selection. Who knows? One of tonight’s young players that will feature against France may transform into the Three Lions’ main hero in a few years to come.
