England v Sweden Preview: Capello's Young Guns Given Starring Role
England will look to build on their victory over Spain when they meet Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Manager Fabio Capello is expected to make a number of changes to the team that beat the world champions 1-0 on Saturday, with up to eight new players likely to feature.
The friendly represents one of the last opportunities for the fringe members of Capello's squad to make their mark ahead of the Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and the Ukraine next summer.
"There will be eight new players," the Italian told reporters on Monday.
"They are two different games but the experience gained for these players is really important in order to improve for the next match against Holland [in February] and the Euros."
Sweden should represent a stern challenge for Capello's resurgent side. The Swedes secured their place in next summer's tournament as the best-placed runners-up in the qualifying stages after finishing second in Group E, three points behind the Netherlands.
Indeed, few sides have had as much success against England in their history, with Sweden unbeaten in their last 12 meetings.
Capello refused to name his starting XI but confirmed that Joe Hart would remain in goal, while captain John Terry would partner Gary Cahill in central defence.
"All the young players who have come from the Under-21s have been monitored for a long time. I spoke to [coach] Stuart Pearce and the players' [club] coaches and all of these people told me they are really good," the England manager said.
"Personally I checked on them too and have been really happy with their performances, their personalities and their confidence. That is the reason they are ready to play with the seniors."
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is expected to partner Manchester United's Danny Welbeck up front, while Everton's Jack Rodwell and Tottenham defender Kyle Walker are also likely to feature from the start.
Leighton Baines is to replace Ashley Cole at left-back, with Gareth Barry and Stewart Downing also coming into the first team.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.