Capello - Seven stopping

Three Lions coach giving Man Utd and Chelsea stars a break

By James Pearson   Last updated: 29th May 2008

Fabio Capello Claps Smiles Eng v USA

Capello: Giving stars a rest

England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed seven of his squad will not be travelling to Trinidad & Tobago.

With a hectic Premier League season at an end, the Italian tactician has opted to give his Manchester United and Chelsea stars a chance to have an extended break.

That means John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves and Wes Brown will all miss England's 10-hour flight to the Caribbean on Thursday.

Only Rio Ferdinand, who has links with the Caribbean, and Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge, who did not get onto the pitch in the UEFA Champions League final, will be part of his 20-man squad for the final game of the season.

"Seven players will stay here. The Chelsea and Manchester United players. They are finished for the season," he told Sky Sports News.

Benefit

England saw off USA 2-0 at Wembley on Wednesday and Capello's believes the win will benefit the Three Lions in the long term.

Capello does not believe USA were simply making up the numbers and Wembley and that the side can take great heart from the success.

"I'm very happy because I think at this moment the USA are a good team. They are well organised and it's not easy to score a goal," he continued.

"We played very well with good concentration. When we needed to play a long ball we did and when needed to pass we did.

"I'm very happy because we did the simple things and have made one step forward. At home it's very important to win.

Reward

Capello restored Terry as captain and the Blues ace rewarded the Italian by heading home England's opener by guiding home David Beckham's free-kick.

Terry's club season ended on somewhat of a sour note following his UEFA Champions League disappointment and Capello was pleased he has not ended things on a high.

"I'm very happy for (Terry) and for England. It's very important for John to finish the season by scoring a goal," he concluded.

"He's a good captain, a leader and he played well today."