England wait on SWP news
05 Feb 2008 - 07:21:53
Chelsea midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips missed England training on Monday evening but could still be available to face Switzerland on Wednesday.
The in-form wideman was rested as a precaution as the rest of his team-mates trained at Wembley and will be assessed by medical staff on Tuesday morning.
Wright-Phillips has been troubled by an ankle problem in recent weeks but has continued to play for Chelsea.
"Shaun Wright-Phillips did not train at Wembley tonight," confirmed an FA spokesman.
"He was rested as a precaution and will be assessed tomorrow, but the problem is not thought to be serious."
Meanwhile, midfielder Steven Gerrard claims he has been impressed by new coach Fabio Capello.
The Liverpool captain is the favourite to be handed the armband in the absence of regular skipper John Terry for the Italian's first game in charge.
"Fabio has the aura all top managers have. When he walks in the room, he has got an aura about him and those are the type of managers you want to play for," said Gerrard.
"When you look someone in the eye at a team meeting, you get a feel for someone straight away.
"I think about the third, fourth and fifth words which came out of his mouth were 'winning football matches' so he let us know early doors what he wanted from us.
"I wouldn't say you have to intimidate the players, but I think as a manager you have to get their respect and let them know who is the boss and what he says goes."