Smalling gets shock England call alongside Rio
By Chris,
November 14 2010
Chris Smalling has received a surprise call-up to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against France. Fabio Capello has named a youthful 23-man roster of players as he prepares for the mid-week friendly at Wembley.
Smalling has been called up to the England squad for the first time and will be hoping to have the chance to impress.
Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson of Sunderland and Cardiff City frontman Jay Bothroyd are also all included for the first time.
Smalling's inclusion will surprise many United supporters given that his involvement in first-team affairs this season has been limited.
The defender's case is rumoured to have been strengthened by a string of favourable reports from England under-21 boss Stuart Pearce.
Youngster Smalling is likely to be included amongst the English substitutes given that John Terry and fellow Red Rio Ferdinand are also included in Capello's squad.
20-year-old Smalling has England honours at Under-21 level, but has only made two Premier League appearances for the Red Devils since his £10million move from Fulham.
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He hasnt done a thing wrong this season and his performances have given the impression that he rarely feels pressure from opposition despite his age and a ferdinand-esque approach to defending, playing the ball rather than hoofing and standing up to opponents rather than diving in, shows that he could well be a very important player for the future and Rio's potentially natural replacement
Im happy Cappello has given some of the young english lads the chance to play in the big stage, how many years have gone by with the media still slurring the same old sh*te about how England's prospects aren't cutting it when in truth, they are simply just not being given the opportunity
Theres no need to play the first team in this game, not only because its a friendly, but because the French team is in turmoil at the minute and a complete shadow of the side that won the world cup 98-Euro 200 double. They will have every reason to fear the england team and more so with the unexpectation given off by players who have never played this level of football before