Food for thought, Fabio

Long time fans of tournament football will already know that surprise inclusions/exclusions are not out of the question. Eric Cantona was left out of France’s Euro 96 squad in favour of some guy called Zidane, Gazza famously didn’t make it the the 98 World Cup, and last time around, little Theo Walcott toured with England, despite only being about 12.

Expect the unexpected.

Hence, The Spoiler thought it somewhat necessary to compile a team of players without a cap between them, who might yet drift onto the Capello radar in the coming months (pictured).

Lee Camp is the goalkeeper du jour in the Championship - where he plays for Nottingham Forest - and has been so good that he was crowned Championship Player of the Month as recently as December.

In defence, Michael Dawson, Roger Johnson, and Ryan Shawcross could all figure as back up to the stuttering Terry/Ferdinand partnership, which will be all-important during the summer. Johnson, in particular, has taken so well to top flight football that he could yet ease into international football with equal success. The Spoiler would take all three over Joleon Lescott.

Should Capello be tempted to “do a Walcott” by taking a teenager along with the squad, he could do a lot worse than taking a Jack - either Rodwell of Everton, or Bolton/Arsenal’s Wilshere. Both look destined for bright international futures, and both have been wearing their scoring slippers of late.

Of the other midfielders, there is a poor man’s Lampsie in the shape of Kevin Nolan, or a poor man’s Milner in the shape of Jamie O’Hara. Whilst the Man City coach, Roberto Mancini, has been overheard describing Adam Johnson as the “new Ryan Giggs”. He could prove to be a very decent option on the left.

Up front, the four strikers in the World Cup driving seat - Rooney, Defoe, Heskey and Crouch - are unlikely to be budged. But should dreaded injury hit, either Kevin Davies or Bobby Zamora could pounce. Davies would certainly provide some necessary muscle, whilst Zamora has scored more goals this season than both Heskey and Crouch.

Thoughts?