International Friendly Match Preview: Sweden vs England

Posted on November 13, 2012 by SoccerPunter

England coach Roy Hodgson recalled fit-again midfielder Jack Wilshere to his squad for international friendly away to Sweden and also awarded a first call-up to Everton’s Leon Osman.

Zaha, who has been included in England‘s squad as well this week even though he is only 20-years-old and plays for Crystal Palace in the English Championship, the division below the English Premier League, is a man in demand.

He is tipped to play at least some part against Sweden in Stockholm on Wednesday but can also choose the Ivory Coast as an alternative having been born in Abidjan.

Steven Gerrard should win his 100th cap in Stockholm on November 14, while goalkeeper Fraser Forster retains his place in the squad after an impressive performance in Celtic’s shock 2-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona on Wednesday.

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole was overlooked due to injury and there was no place either for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, who made his comeback from injury in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Arsenal playmaker Wilshere, 21, recently returned after spending 16 months on the sidelines through injury, which forced him to miss the whole of last season.

He has not represented England since he made his fifth appearance against Switzerland in June last year.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said Wilshere needs to be eased back into action gently, but his sending-off in the 2-1 loss away to Manchester United last weekend means he will not play at home to Fulham on Saturday.

Liverpool midfield duo Jonjo Shelvey, 20, and Raheem Sterling, 17, were both retained by former Reds boss Hodgson.

England Squad for International Friendly

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic/SCO), Joe Hart (Man City), John Ruddy (Norwich)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Tottenham), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Tom Cleverley (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Leon Osman (Everton), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man Utd)

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Daniel Welbeck (Man Utd)