'No changes' for Capello

Upson to start alongside Terry in defence

Last updated: 27th June 2010 Subscribe to RSS Feed
'No changes' for Capello

Sky Sports sources understand that England manager Fabio Capello will name an unchanged side for the first time in his tenure when facing Germany in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Although official confirmation is not expected until an hour before kick-off in Bloemfontein, it is anticipated the England coach will stick with the team that defeated Slovenia on Wednesday.

That will mean Matthew Upson retaining his place alongside former skipper John Terry even though Jamie Carragher is now back from suspension.

Upson helped keep a clean sheet last week and Capello had already ruled out Ledley King from his starting line-up, so the Italian will go for continuity.

History

Capello confirmed on Saturday night that he intended to stick with the remainder of the team that overcame Slovenia.

Once again, James Milner will be deployed on the right of England's midfield, with Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry partnered together in the centre.

Goalscorer Jermain Defoe is set to retain his spot alongside Wayne Rooney, who is still looking for his first goal of the tournament, and has now gone eight matches since he last scored for his country.

England are trying to overturn recent tournament history, having lost on penalties in the semi-finals of Italia 90 and Euro 96, although they came out on top when they last met Germany, in Berlin in November 2008.

The prize for the winners is a meeting next Saturday in Cape Town with either Argentina or Mexico.