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).

Did this young man make the cut? (yes he did)

It’s already been quite a season for youngsters, so coming up with a team of the things was a trickier-than-expected process. The rule was - keeper aside - to only use players who are 20-years-old or younger. That immediately brought the axe down on the likes of Jonny Evans, Seamus Coleman, and Micah Richards. And those unlucky to miss the final cut included Vladimir Weiss David N’Gog, and Danny Welbeck. 

Hence, The Spoiler’s younglings XI ended up looking like this… Leave your thoughts in the form of a comment.

Goalkeeper, Vito Mannone, 21 - Arsenal

Of course, goalkeepers don’t tend to reach their prime until they’re in their late-30s, so Mannone is a foetus in keeping terms. Hence why he makes the team, even though he’s a shade over 20.

Right Back, Rafael da Silva, 19 - Man United

After years of watching Gary Neville pounding up and down the flank like a shire horse, what joy for the Man United faithful to see this zippy Brazilian adding a bit of skill to the right hand side. One with a long future at United, along with his mirror-image, Fabio.

Chelsea/Everton, Premier League, 8pm, Sky Sports 1

David Moyes is thinking of resting some players just three days after the gruelling FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United and with a home league game against Manchester City just three days away. However, they won’t want to make too many changes because if they are easily beaten tonight it will give Chelsea a psychological advantage ahead of the final. Everton took a point against the Blues earlier this season and have drawn on their last two league visits to Stamford Bridge. Here’s how The Spoiler would line the Toffees up:

If forced to rest a few players, we would replace Phil Neville and Leon Osman with Everton’s promising youngsters while bringing in Jo to hunt for his first away Premier League goal. Should Everton field their strongest team or rest everybody? Let us know what you think with a comment below.