Source: Daily_Mail
WORLD CUP 2010: England's forgotten man, Matthew Upson, is ready to answer Fabio Capello's call
There is nothing to stop Fabio Capello from selecting the same team against Algeria that beat Croatia 5-1 nine months ago.[LNB] Gareth Barry's return means all 11 are fit but the one most concerned about his place - more so than goalkeeper Robert Green - will be Matthew Upson.[LNB] The West Ham centre back offered fine service through the qualifiers, filling in alongside John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. [LNB] Waiting game: Upson insists he is ready to play should Capello call on him [LNB]He played in five of the 10 games, including the decisive win against Croatia at Wembley in September, only to see Ledley King and Jamie Carragher called into the squad without kicking a ball.[LNB]DIAL 999 The team who beat Croatia on September 9, 2009: Green; Johnson, Terry, Upson, A Cole; Lampard, Barry; Lennon, Rooney, Gerrard; Heskey.[LNB]'It's not really down to me,' said Upson, as he considered how he hadbeen knocked down the pecking order. 'Whatever he decides to do is hisbusiness. It's completely outside my control. My focus is how ready Ican be. As long as I'm ready, I've done my job.[LNB]'I feel very happy with my contribution under Fabio Capello. It was an objective achieved for me to be here. Now, I want to play as much as I can, and the manager will dictate that. [LNB] 'On a personal level, I want to play, but it's the manager's decision and he'll do what's best for the team. We're here to win something as a group, so you have to put aside what you want and what you don't want. I'm willing to accept his decision.' [LNB]Having got the nod to play against the USA, Carragher is favourite to partner Terry on Friday but Upson has pace on his side as England prepare for the nippy Algerians. [LNB]'Pace is a big part of modern football,' he said. 'I used to be the quickest of the centre halves but we haven't had a race. Perhaps we should. That might help me. I might not look as if I'm quick but I can cover the ground.' [LNB]As for Franz Beckenbauer's claims that England are a kick-and-rush team, Upson said: 'Let them shout. I don't think we're a long ball team. We can talk about style of football all day but whatever wins us something, I don't care to be honest.'[LNB] WORLD CUP 2010: Relax, Gareth Barry is back in time to bring best out of England WORLD CUP 2010: Managing Ivory Coast is more fun than England, says Sven Goran Eriksson England can play kick and rush if it wins us the trophy, says UpsonWORLD CUP 2010: Andy Hooper's England photo album [LNB] [LNB]
