Source: Daily_Mail
Martin Keown on Fabio Capello's game of three halves - and why Michael Dawson misses the cut
The England manager is spoilt for choice when it comes to centre halves for the World Cup but he has some tough decisions to make. [LNB]John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have been his first-choice pairing for a long time but Rio's lack of games, Terry's dips in form and Ledley King's superb performances allseason could see an end to that.[LNB]King has overcome the problems with his knee to surely secure a place in Fabio Capello's 23-man squad and I think he is the best defender in the group. [LNB]But possession is nine-tenths of the law and for stability's sake, I would stick with the Ferdinand-Terry partnership. [LNB]But you feel that Capello is desperate to involve King and that is why using him as a defensive midfielder in the absence of Gareth Barry could be a good option. [LNB] Rival team-mates: Ledley King (left) and Michael Dawson are battling for a place on the plane[LNB]He has done it for Spurs and England earlier in his career and he is comfortable enough on the ball to play there. [LNB]It would be similar to what Paul McGrath did so well for the Republic of Ireland. [LNB]Despite a lack of games, Ferdinand is an excellent defender and Capello should do everything he can to make sure he is fit. [LNB]The issue with Terry is that his lack of pace is often exposed. King would deal betterwith the likes of Fernando Torres and Sergio Aguero but the three are so neck-and-neck that I don't think it is worth destabilising the team by changing things now.[LNB] Matthew Upson has endured a difficult season at West Ham in a struggling team but he has played well throughout the qualifying campaign and earned the respect of his team-mates and Capello.[LNB]I like Upson a lot and he provides balance with his left foot. I think he is certain to make the final 23. [LNB]It is normal to take five central defenders to the World Cup and, as I'd expect Jamie Carragher will be going to cover at right back, Michael Dawson looks the most likely to miss out. [LNB] Dawson has performed brilliantly for Tottenham but it would be a risk to take someone without international experience. [LNB]All six are top defenders and it is not easy to separate them. I've rated them on five key areas and although Dawson scores higher than Carragher, he doesn't quite makethe cut.[LNB] Austria's hills are alive with the sound of England's hopefuls King of middle England? Ledley's in the frame for holding role [LNB]
