Fulham striker Bobby Zamora was named in an England squad for the first time since August after Fabio Capello announced his party for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley.
Zamora was on Capello’s provisional list but, after scoring in Fulham’s draw with Arsenal yesterday, Mark Hughes suggested the striker was not properly fit after recovering from a broken leg sustained in September.
However, with Andy Carroll ruled out through injury and Wayne Rooney suspended, Zamora has been selected in a four-man strike force that also includes Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch.
As expected, there was no place for Robert Green, who had hinted he did not wish to be involved on this occasion.
With Ben Foster standing down from international duty for the forseeable future, it means Scott Carson and Fulham second-choice David Stockdale will act as back-up to Joe Hart.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been selected for the first time since he had the captaincy taken away by Capello.
He is expected to start alongside John Terry against the Swiss as Michael Dawson, who started the last qualifier, against Wales in September, is not involved.
There is a return in central midfield for Michael Carrick, who has not featured since returning from the World Cup without playing a game.
Of the squad Capello selected for the Wales game, Aaron Lennon and Matt Jarvis miss out, whilst Arsenal’s Theo Walcott is recalled.
