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Davies the surprise inclusion as Montenegro squad announced

| 04.10.2010

A host of injury troubles in attack has led to Kevin Davies being perhaps the biggest surprise addition to the England squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

Jermain Defoe, Gabby Agbonlahor and Bobby Zamora have all been ruled out of the Group G clash with injury, while Andy Carroll has been overlooked after suffering a form dip with Newcastle.

This has led to the 33-year-old Bolton striker Davies being on the verge of a first international cap, although he is almost certain to start on the bench as Fabio Capello is expected to pair Darren Bent with Wayne Rooney in attack at Wembley.

Davies’ physicality could be a useful attribute from the bench and will offer something different if Rooney and Bent are struggling to open up the Montenegro defence.

Another selection dilemma facing Capello is who to pair at the heart of the defence, with both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand being recalled to the squad.

However, Phil Jagielka has been a tower of strength in the position to help England kick-off their Group G campaign with victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland and does not deserve to be dropped.

These successes have left England 8/1 to win Euro 2012.

Other players returning are goalkeeper Rob Green, Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and Jack Wilshere as England look to confirm their position at the head of the group.

Both they and Montenegro have begun with back-to-back victories and are the only teams to have currently collected any points from Group G.

One of the factors in England’s favour is that they have no fixture in the first round of Group G games, while Montenegro will only have a four-day break after their showdown at home to Switzerland.

This year’s World Cup winners Spain are the 7/2 favourites to win Euro 2012. See the whole Euro 2012 winners betting odds market.

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Author

Ed Needham