Source: Telegraph
Carlton Cole a shock contender for Fabio Capello's England
Capello favours playing with a blend of fleet-footed forwards in the vein of Jermain Defoe and a physically imposing partner such as Emile Heskey, with the Italian's key successes, most notably the victory over Croatia in Zagreb, coming as a result of such a combination. [LNB]As such Capello is prepared to overlook his reservations about the former Under-21 striker's lack of technique, report the Times, valuing his physical presence and ability to hold the ball up and bring others in to the game. [LNB]Capello is no stranger to unconventional decisions when naming his squads but Cole's inclusion, should he be drafted in for the Feb 11 game when the squad is announced four days prior, would still be a major surprise. [LNB]Cole has not even been on the fringes of the national team since playing the last of his 19 matches for the under age side four years ago. [LNB]The Italian manager, however, has been consisted throughout his tenure in selecting players based on form and fitness and Cole has been invigorated since the arrival of another Italian, Gianfranco Zola, at Upton Park. [LNB]Cole has scored five goals in as many matches as West Ham have climbed the table to eighth. [LNB]Zola offered Cole a new four-year contract in November and at that time tipped his player for international recognition. [LNB]Defoe still commands Capello's preference over Michael Owen for the more agile lead striker's role, though Wayne Rooney, if fit, would be an automatic start, and Capello is not without other alternatives. [LNB]Gabriel Agbonlahor shone in England's shadow side's victory over Germany in Berlin in the most recent friendly and looks likely to retain his squad place. [LNB]At the back Capello has noted the exceptional form this season of Everton's Phil Jagielka, who will force competition upon team-mate Joleon Lescott for a place in the squad. Both players may be selected if Rio Ferdinand's back problems rule him out. [LNB]Curtis Davis and Michael Mancienne are unlikely to feature after being non-playing substitutes in Berlin. [LNB]
