Fabio Capello has started to surprise people. The ill-advised dabble into entrepreneurship through his Capello Index brought back memories of the Sven Goran Eriksson years, but it was his seemingly sudden shift in selection policy that raised more eyebrows.Capello has always stressed the importance of fitness and form over status and past performances, but he has abandoned that approach in recent weeks. The recruitment of Jamie Carragher and the failed wooing of Paul Scholes have tarnished the manager's reputation for giving the most deserving candidates a chance, regardless of other factors.
Forget the Capello Index, the begging of retired players to return will do more damage to team morale. The established pecking order has been thrown out, with performances during the qualification campaign ignored in the hunt for experience. It says little for Capello's faith in the in-form younger options.
Carragher and Scholes have had moderate club seasons and should have been left as ex-internationals. It will be scandalous if the superior Michael Dawson or Ledley King misses out on the final squad because of Carragher's return. The World Cup betting makes England third favourites for the tournament, and they will need a strong backline if they are to live up to expectations.
The fans might not be too impressed either. Carragher was rightly criticised for the manner of his retirement and the prolonged sulk shows his indifferent attitude to the national shirt.
The initial inclusion Joe Cole and Gareth Barry is understandable, as they are amongst the best options in their respective positions. However, anyone who has placed an England World Cup bet will be horrified if players who are clearly lacking fitness are taken to South Africa.
Capello has plenty of good will to draw on, but we might look back on recent weeks as the period that Capello started to lose support from players, fans and media.
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