Young given the nod to act as ‘clone’ for Gerrard
ENGLAND coach Fabio Capello admitted he would like to “clone” injured midfielder Steven Gerrard after giving Ashley Young the nod to replace him for tonight’s friendly against Holland.
Aston Villa winger Young will fill the left-wing berth due to be occupied by Gerrard, who withdrew from the squad yesterday after picking up a groin injury in training.
Capello believes Young’s pace will cause problems for a side who have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup and is backing the razor sharp 24-year-old to be an able deputy for Gerrard on his first international start.
“I cannot clone Stevie,” Capello said. “Every player has a different style and Ashley Young is really important because he is one of the English players who can dribble and take people on one-on-one.
“He has only played twice for me. The first time it was so-so. The second he played very well. Now he needs the confidence to perform against one of the best national sides in the world.”
Gerrard pulled out of the squad as a precaution after reporting soreness in his groin during England training on Monday. His injury, however, is not thought to be serious.
Gerrard joined Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster on the sidelines after he picked up a knock in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat by Chelsea. Foster was replaced by on-loan Birmingham keeper Joe Hart.