Pro Eleven Headline News

England Coach Capello Calls Foster, Baines, King Into Squad

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster was named in England coach Fabio Capello’s soccer squad for the exhibition game against Slovakia on March 28 and a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine four days later.

Everton’s Leighton Baines and Tottenham duo Ledley King and Aaron Lennon are also included.

Foster has been troubled by injuries and kept out of the United team by the form of No. 1 Edwin van der Sar. Capello was at Wembley to see him in the League Cup final win over Tottenham on March 1 when he helped his team win the penalty shootout.

His only other England appearance was in an exhibition defeat to Spain under previous coach Steve McClaren.

England leads its World Cup qualifying group with a maximum 12 points from four games, five points ahead of Croatia and Ukraine, which has played one match fewer.

The Slovakia and Ukraine games are both at Wembley.

England squad: Foster (Man. Utd.), Green (West Ham), James (Portsmouth); Baines (Everton), A. Cole (Chelsea) Ferdinand (Man. Utd.), Jagielka (Everton), Johnson (Portsmouth), King (Tottenham), Lescott (Everton), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham); Barry (Aston Villa), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Carrick (Man. Utd.), Downing (Middlesbrough) Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Wright-Phillips (Man. City); C. Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Portsmouth), Heskey (Aston Villa), Rooney (Man. Utd.). Bloomberg


Pazzini thanks Sampdoria for Italy call-up

Giampaolo Pazzini believes his January move to Sampdoria has helped him move to the brink of fulfilling his dream of playing for Italy after being handed a first senior international call-up.

The Samp striker has been named in Marcello Lippi's 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers at Montenegro and against Ireland.

With Bayern Munich forward Luca Toni and Fiorentina frontman Alberto Gilardino sidelined through injury, in-form Pazzini could make his Azzurri debut on Saturday in Podgorica against Montenegro.

"I am happy," said Pazzini. "Here at Sampdoria I have found splendid team-mates and it is thanks to them that I have been called up.

"I have enjoyed two fantastic months at Sampdoria and to be called into the national team is an immense joy."

The 24-year-old arrived at Sampdoria from Fiorentina in January in search of more playing time and has stolen the show at the Marassi stadium.

Pazzini has struck 11 goals in 12 appearances for the Blucerchiati, eight of which have come in Serie A and three in the Coppa Italia.

Despite his terrific form, Pazzini was stunned to be named in Lippi's squad.

"I really didn't expect it," said Pazzini. "I never thought I would make it to the national team.

"When I was told yesterday, I just couldn't believe it.

"I only know that selection to the national team is not easy and for that reason this is a great reward that brings me great joy."

Pazzini, Roma defender Marco Motta and Genoa central defender Salvatore Bocchetti are the new faces in the Italian squad while Roma's Matteo Brighi and Lazio's Pasquale Foggia return to the national set-up after a long absence.

The Azzurri, who are without injured Daniele Bonera, Nicola Legrottaglie, Mauro Camoranesi, Simone Perrota, Alberto Aquilani and Gennaro Gattuso begin training at Italy's headquarters in Florence tomorrow.

Italy lead Group Eight alongside Ireland, with both teams level on 10 points after four games. ESPN