Despite Ferdinand’s injury, England not to hold back stars: Capello
June 6th, 2010 - 1:41 pm ICT by ANILondon, Jun 6 (ANI): England coach Fabio Capello has said that there will be no holding back of players as the team prepares to risk key members in Monday’s friendly with the Platinum Stars, after skipper Rio Ferdinand’s knee ligament injury ruled him out of the World Cup.
Ferdinand damaged the cruciate ligament in his left knee during England’s first training session in Rustenburg on Friday.
New skipper Steven Gerrard, along with vice-captain Frank Lampard, John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole will all play at least 45 minutes against the South African club side.
“What can I do, just let the players swim to keep them safe? We have to train, but we can’t predict the future. They are friendly games, but Rooney and Gerrard want to play,” News of the World quoted Capello, as saying.
“We have to prepare for a game against the USA and that’s why they are in the team. We never know what is around the corner and that’s the problem for some players. This is their job, so they will play. Sometimes the players get a yellow card and cannot play, sometimes they get an injury.
“The players who will play against the USA will play for 45 minutes, or maybe 60. I know my team. There is a risk, but touch wood nothing will happen,” Capello added.
Capello is demanding improvements from his team in the Moruleng Stadium, which is a short drive away from their spectacular training complex in Rustenburg. (ANI)
- Ferdinand's injury is 'curse of being England captain': Capello - Jun 05, 2010
- Ferdinand to fly home after England's opening game against USA - Jun 07, 2010
- Lampard to lead England in friendly against Denmark - Feb 09, 2011
- Injured Ferdinand can stay back to help England win World Cup: Capello - Jun 06, 2010
- Ferdinand backs 'experienced' England team to win World Cup - Jun 18, 2010
- Now Ferdinand ruled out of World Cup - Jun 04, 2010
- Capello insists England are ready for US - Jun 11, 2010
- Capello refuses to blame Green for gifting shock equalizer to US - Jun 13, 2010
- 'Fit-again' Ferdinand still facing England selection battle - Oct 08, 2010
- England team vows to win World Cup for Ferdinand - Jun 05, 2010
- Rio Ferdinand wishes new England captain Terry all the best - Mar 22, 2011
- England will outmuscle other teams in 2010 World Cup: Ancelotti - Dec 24, 2009
- Heskey found it hard to cope after knocking Ferdinand out of World Cup - Jun 10, 2010
- Ferdinand told he is still England captain - Mar 14, 2011
- I need to make a permanent decision on England captaincy: Capello - Mar 16, 2011
Tags: ashley cole, captain frank, coach fabio capello, cruciate ligament, england coach, frank lampard, friendly games, john terry, knee ligament injury, left knee, news of the world, rio ferdinand, rustenburg, skipper, steven gerrard, training session, vice captain, wayne rooney, world cup, yellow card