Source: Daily_Mail
Fabio Capello gamble: England fear a goalkeeper crisis if boss fails to talk Green out of retirement
ShareEngland manager Fabio Capello is gambling on the ability of his most trusted aides to sweet-talk West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green out of quitting international football. [LNB]If they fail to convince Green, 31, that he has an England future, Capello will be plunged into an immediate selection crisis for the European Championship qualifier against Switzerland on June 4.[LNB] Headache: Fabio Capello faces a goalkeeping crisis if Robert Green retires [LNB]Capello announces his squad on Monday but still does not know whether he can count on Green - seen by some as the scapegoat for England's disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign - wanting to be in the squad. [LNB]With Ben Foster and Paul Robinson having retired from international duty, England face the prospect of having only three first-choice Premier League goalkeepers to choose from, should Green follow through with his apparent determination to find something better to do on England days than warm the substitutes' bench. [LNB]Joe Hart, 24, seems destined to be the first choice for years but, without Green, the queue behind the Manchester City goalkeeper is one of the shortest in world football. [LNB] Careless hands: Green fumbles against the USA in last year's World Cup[LNB]Only Scott Carson of West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle's Steve Harper are currently holding down first-choice positions with their Premier League clubs. And while Carson has played three times for his country, his last cap came in November 2008. Harper, at 36, has never played for England.[LNB]Fulham's reserve goalkeeper, David Stockdale is looked on favourably by the England management but talking Green into carrying on is seen as vital for Capello's squad. [LNB]Green's World Cup blunder, when he let Clint Dempsey's shot squirm past him and earn the United States a 1-1 draw in England's first group game in South Africa, seemed to have ended his England chances. [LNB]The West Ham man is due to tell Capello's staff over the weekend whether he will make himself available, having originally told them he was unsure of committing to the squad because his partner was due to give birth. [LNB] Glove story: Scott Carson (centre) will step up to number two behind Joe Hart if Green (left) follows Paul Robinson (right) into retirement[LNB]The baby has now been born but Green's intentions remain unclear and he has had a torrid time at club level of late due to West Ham's relegation. [LNB]If Capello finds Green reluctant to continue playing second fiddle to Hart, then he is likely to rely on Carson and Stockdale as back-up. [LNB]With Wayne Rooney suspended for the Switzerland game, Fulham's Bobby Zamora has been added to Capello's 'long list' of players sent to clubs last Thursday. Zamora, 30, has a chance of making the final 22 one year after he declared himself unavailable for the World Cup because of a knee operation. [LNB]Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to the squad for the first time since Capello replaced him as captain because of his frequent absences through injury. [LNB] Welcome return: Rio Ferdinand is in line for his first England appearance since the 2-1 defeat against France at Wembley in November 2010[LNB]Ferdinand was unhappy when Capello failed to tell him in person that he had restored John Terry to the role 13 months after the he was axed as captain because of allegations about his private life.[LNB]Capello will be happy to talk the issue through with Ferdinand if the United player asks for an explanation, but the Italian is understood to believe that it is up to the player to take the initiative.[LNB] Capello's goalkeeping crisis: Now Green wants to call time on EnglandFoster shock: Capello learns of keeper snub via Birmingham's website FA admit Capello's successor next summer might not be English Get me Parker! West Ham midfielder is the top target for Spurs boss RedknappDes Kelly: Backing Avram Grant was the West Ham board's big mistake...[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Paul Robinson, Robert Green, John Terry, Joe Hart, Fabio Capello, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Ben Foster Places: Newcastle, United Kingdom, South Africa, Switzerland
