Michael Carrick’s exclusion from the core 23-man squad of England has sparked some criticism of Roy Hodgson’s approach to the World Cup. PHOTO: AFP
Rio Ferdinand has warned England may have left themselves exposed in midfield at the World Cup by omitting Michael Carrick from their core squad for Brazil.
The former England captain, who announced his abrupt departure from Manchester United this week, also queried the decision to drop Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole.
“I look around the squad and I can’t see anyone else who plays the Steven Gerrard role,” said Ferdinand. “If Gerrard was to get injured or suspended, Michael Carrick is an effective replacement.
“Carrick is a natural holding midfielder, he is a top player.”
England coach Roy Hodgson this week listed Carrick among his seven stand-by players. His decision to omit Cole, in favour of Everton’s Leighton Baines and Southampton’s Luke Shaw, grabbed most attention.
Ferdinand, speaking during a promotional trip for Singapore telco Singtel, pointed out there is little cover in the 23-man main squad for Liverpool’s holding midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Schweinsteiger suffering from injury ahead of Brazil
Midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger left Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match of the season with a knee injury, giving Germany fans another scare ahead of the World Cup.
Germany desperately need Schweinsteiger to be fit for the Brazil campaign, but it has been a season of many absences. And no one is giving a guarantee that he will be fit to start the Brazil campaign.
“With his class and experience, he has a big influence on our game,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.
“When he is able to play 90 minutes, with his confidence on the ball and tactical awareness, he is very valuable for us.
“Other players respond when they see Bastian is playing well. But you can see that he was injured for a long time.”
‘I believe we can have a great World Cup’
Portugal may not be favourites to win the World Cup but their coach Paulo Bento believes that works in their favour and rivals should beware.
“We know that Spain, Brazil, Germany and Argentina are the favourites and that is fantastic for us,” he said.
“I am confident. We have a difficult group in my opinion but we will go one game at a time. The first match against Germany will be very difficult but I believe we can have a great World Cup. And without pressure, which is very good.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2014.
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