Next Wednesday England run out at Wembley to launch their new kit, to prepare for the World Cup group game against Algeria by playing Egypt, their local rivals and recent winners of the African Cup of Nations.
It could have just been a run out, even with the World Cup approaching, but with the defensive issues that Fabio is facing means this is a big opportunity for quite a few players to book their places on the plane to South Africa.
First up – the position of Left Back. Now that Wayne Bridge has ruled himself out and with Ashley Cole still far from a certainty to be match fit for South Africa, someone is going to have to step up and impress. Smart money is on Leighton Baines, could be a big night for him.
At Centre-Half, new Captain Rio Ferdinand is injured, as is definitely out. John Terry will play, but needless to say he’s got a bit to prove nowadays. Hopefully it’ll bring the best out of him, and whoever he’s partnered with.
Right back is still a bit of an issue too. Glen Johnson is currently injured, so there’s a chance for someone to nick a spot there. And lest we forget that the position of Goalkeeper is hardly set in stone. So the whole back five will have something to prove.
And as Egypt showed at the CAN, they are a good side, and they’ll want to beat England. Even its just to put the pressure on Algeria in SA.
All in all, its the most exciting friendly we’ve had in ages. Roll on Wednesday.
