England manager Steve McClaren says he may ask Micah Richards to play in central defence against Austria and Croatia. The Three Lions are still trading in the 20s to win Euro 2008 with Bodog.
McClaren must tackle the matches without Rio Ferdinand suspended and injured John Terry out (his first choice defensive partnership) – for Friday's friendly in Austria and the make-or-break Wembley encounter with Croatia five days afterwards.
Even though 19-year-old Richards has little international experience McLaren has said he is prepared to risk the Man City teenager out of the position to partner Sol Campbell on age grounds, saying: "I would have no hesitation in playing Micah Richards in central defence. We played him there for one half against Germany and he did well and his performances there for Manchester City have been impressive."
Liverpool's Jamie Carragher cannot be called upon due to his recent recent international retirement. It was no surprise to see McClaren at Stamford Bridge on Sunday where he watched Everton´s Joleon Lescott play an assured role against Didier Drogba.
McLaren gave Lescott a huge vote of confidence by giving him a first start against Russia at left-back and some well connected insiders believe that the 25-year-old is a serious contender.
Man United´s Wes Brown is another option. Brown has more international experience than Richards and Lescott, however, much of his recent form for United has been at right-back. In that position has proved himself to be a highly viable option for the more experienced Gary Neville.
Richards has stood in for Neville at full-back for almost his entire nine-cap England career. Richards plays in the centre for Man City and has earned glowing commendations from ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson in that position.
Should Richards be shifted into the middle either Brown or Phil Neville may step into the breach at full-back. Chelsea´s Ashley Cole has been confirmed as fit and able for action but is devoid of match practice.
Because McLaren organised the friendly in Austria preparation for the Croatia game he finds himself in the precarious position of not knowing if he is preparing a team for the biggest match of his management career or a face-saving exercise should England fail to reach a major championship for the first time since 1994.
Handicappers or McClaren won´t know until Saturday night when Russia will be gunning for the win in Israel that will knock England out.
Point-Spreads.com would advise any readers to get the latest European Football betting odds at Bodog.
Richards has stood in for Neville at full-back for almost his entire nine-cap England career. Richards plays in the centre for Man City and has earned glowing commendations from ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson in that position.
Should Richards be shifted into the middle either Brown or Phil Neville may step into the breach at full-back. Chelsea´s Ashley Cole has been confirmed as fit and able for action but is devoid of match practice.
Because McLaren organised the friendly in Austria preparation for the Croatia game he finds himself in the precarious position of not knowing if he is preparing a team for the biggest match of his management career or a face-saving exercise should England fail to reach a major championship for the first time since 1994.
Handicappers or McClaren won´t know until Saturday night when Russia will be gunning for the win in Israel that will knock England out.
