England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Wenger backs Sol for England

26 Apr 2010 - 10:44:57

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Sol Campbell for a surprise place in England's World Cup squad.

Campbell, 35, has taken the plaudits since rejoining the Gunners on a short-term contract in January.

The veteran defender has made 11 first-team appearances following a spate of defensive injuries at the Emirates Stadium and has successfully resurrected his career in the top-flight following an ill-fated spell at Notts County.

In recent weeks, Campbell has been mentioned as a possible World Cup hopeful with England's first choice centre-back pairing of Rio Ferdinand struggling with injury and John Terry from a loss of form.

Now Wenger has backed the 73-times capped international for a possible place on the plane to South Africa.

"I just see that many centre-backs are injured, so why not?" he said.

"Sol has got the experience and it is up to Capello to decide.

"Of course others have an advantage because they are younger, but if England have a problem in numbers Sol is always there.

"I do not select the team and I do not say Capello has to take him. I just say you compare him today in the Premier League with the other centre-backs and he does not suffer in the comparison."