Fabio Capello dismisses Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's England prospects

11 August 2009 19:12
The England manager is preparing for Wednesday night's friendly against Holland without first-choice goalkeeper David James and his likely replacement, Ben Foster, both of whom have knee injuries. Almunia, who was born in Pamplona, is eligible to represent England having spent five years in the country playing for Arsenal. Speculation has been rife that the 32 year-old could wear the Three Lions, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger pressing his claims. But the suggestion brought a very brief response from Capello, which left little room for ambiguity. "Almunia, for me, is Spanish," the Italian said. "He is Spanish and he plays for the Arsenal team." Foster had been earmarked for an appearance in Amsterdam, just as he had been due to face Kazakhstan and Andorra in June only to undergo a thumb operation instead. Foster was unimpressive for Manchester United in Sunday's Community Shield, but Capello does not see that as an issue. "I am happy with his performances," said Capello, who will field West Ham's Robert Green instead. "Foster made some mistakes on Sunday but he played with confidence and that is really important." Holland are only European side to have already qualified for next summer's World Cup in South Africa, but Capello does not rate them as highly Euro 2008 winners Spain. "Holland do not have the same quality as Spain but they have had some really good results, so it is a really important test," said Capello. "It gives us an opportunity to understand what we will have to do if we play against a team with the same style in South Africa."

Source: Telegraph