Source: Team_Talk
Day to remember for Shea
Theo Walcott has claimed Arsenal team-mate James Shea will never forget being given the chance to shine in the England limelight on Tuesday.[LNB] However, Fabio Capello will doubtless be crossing his fingers it does not become a regular occurrence.[LNB]With Ben Foster and Scott Carson sidelined by knee and back problems respectively, Capello was forced to ask Arsene Wenger to lend him one as Arsenal's non-internationals went through their paces at the Gunners' plush London Colney training complex.[LNB]It meant 19-year-old Shea got the opportunity to train with the main England squad nearby, with Wayne Rooney delivering a reminder of the high standards required at the highest level.[LNB]"James was buzzing, especially when Wazza chipped him from the 18-yard box," said Walcott.[LNB]"That is something that is fantastic for him. He can go back to his family and say he trained today. It is only going to make him a better player in the future."[LNB]Although Walcott was asked whether Shea was the answer to Arsenal's goalkeeping problems, England's are more pressing.[LNB]When injury ruled Foster out of the friendly win over Hungary earlier this month, by which time Paul Robinson had already announced his international retirement, Capello was forced to draft in Under-21 duo Scott Loach and Frankie Fielding as back-up to first-choice Joe Hart.[LNB]At least Loach is a regular at Watford. Fielding has been fourth choice at Blackburn and could hardly be viewed as a viable contender to play in a full international.[LNB]Should injury rule out either Foster or Carson from the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria on Friday and Switzerland is Basel the following Tuesday, Capello would be left scratching around once more, knowing Robert Green is heading for a minor hip operation and Chris Kirkland was axed by Wigan after conceding 10 goals in the Latics' first two games.[LNB]It is a desperate situation, which must leave Capello tempted to wrap Hart up in cotton wool.[LNB]The same is also true of his defenders.[LNB]Phil Jagielka was another of those who did not train today as he struggles to recover from an ankle injury.[LNB]Everton boss David Moyes has already said he rates Jagielka as a major doubt to recover from an injury he sustained in his club's Premier League defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday.[LNB]Jagielka was expected to start in central defence against Bulgaria, with Capello knowing he is sorely lacking in options.[LNB]The recall of Matthew Upson does offer some experience but the West Ham man's 21 caps is more than the other four potential centre-halves put together.[LNB]Joleon Lescott is the most experienced of the remaining quartet but he has played all his football for Manchester City this season at left back.[LNB]Gary Cahill is yet to make his Three Lions debut while Michael Dawson made his first appearance as a substitute against Hungary.[LNB]There are also major question marks over Peter Crouch, who injured a rib in Tottenham's home defeat to Wigan on Saturday and also did not train today, although as yet, Capello is resisting the temptation to draft in any reinforcements to his 24-man squad.[LNB]The one piece of good news was that Jermain Defoe, who had been struggling with a groin injury that Redknapp felt would require an operation, was at least able to play some part in training.
