Source: Man_City
Wright-Phillips' anxious wait
| Submit Comments| Comments (32)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapShaun Wright-Phillips is like the rest of England's fringe players praying he won't tomorrow get the dreaded call to end his World Cup dream. The City winger's second-half show in the morale-sapping last warm up game win against JAPAN won't have done his chances of making the final 23 any harm. He's unlucky to be looking for a place in one of the most competitive areas of the squad pitted against Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and even the fast-emerging talent of his own team mate Adam Johnson. Coach Fabio Capello, who will contact the unlucky seven tomorrow morning has another conundrum looming ahead of that opening match against the USA in Rustenburg on June 12. With the Blues Gareth Barry certain not to be fit in time, Frank Lampard needs a central midfield partner. On the evidence of the Mexico game last week, and the scrappy 2-1 win over Japan, Steven Gerrard would be the best choice given his move into central midfield brought out an improved England on both occasions. But that would put Capello in the same situation that plagued Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, namely trying to get the most from Lampard and Gerrard when they are operating in tandem. ?We played very well in the second-half because the quality of these players is really high,? said Capello. ?I don't know if I will start Lampard and Gerrard together. I have to speak with the players and decide their position. ?But I was happy about Gerrard's performance against Mexico and today it was the same.? Lampard has already been assured he will remain as penalty taker, despite missing from the spot when England were trailing to Marcus Tanaka's well-taken opener.
