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Switzerland Midfielder Gelson Fernandes Perplexed At Absence Of Micah Richards From England Squad
"Where's Micah?" asks confused former City man.
Sep 5, 2010 2:30:00 PM
By James Daly
Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes is licking his lips at the prospect of facing an England side bereft of first-choice defenders, and can't believe former Manchester City team-mate Micah Richards isn't in there.
The Three Lions travel to Switzerland on Tuesday with no John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and now Michael Dawson - the Spurs man picking up a knee injury that could keep him out for eight weeks.
"Where is Micah Richards?" Fernandes quizzed, according to the Daily Mail.
"Gary Cahill, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka — and no Micah. Oh God, I cannot believe it. I know they have injuries with John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson. That can only help us.
"England had nobody to protect the defenders at the World Cup. Tom Huddlestone could do it. It surprises me that he’s not in the squad either."
But aside from berating Fabio Capello's picks, the 23-year-old did admit his side will be underdogs for the Euro 2012 qualifier next week.
"Let’s be clear; England are the favourites," he added.
"They are one of the best teams in the world. Capello gives his team a clear focus and they have found a good goalkeeper, in Joe Hart, again.
"I have watched the Bulgaria game through and England were impressive, with some good combination play. But we are motivated by big challenges."
And after two relatively unspectacular years at Eastlands, Fernandes - who left City in 2007 and joined Chievo in Serie A last week - still has love for his former team-mates.
"I had some good memories at City," he said.
"Joe and Micah were my guys. Micah is a fantastic defender, strong and fast. I thought people were messing when they told me he is no longer with England."
And Fernandes is loved back home too, after shooting to fame for scoring the winner against Spain in the 2010 World Cup in a shock victory for the Swiss in the group stage.
"As for that Spain victory, it was incredible, but it happened because it was something we believed in.
"The Swiss public will look at that result and think we can beat England too. We must take confidence and encouragement from that game."
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The Three Lions travel to Switzerland on Tuesday with no John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and now Michael Dawson - the Spurs man picking up a knee injury that could keep him out for eight weeks.
"Where is Micah Richards?" Fernandes quizzed, according to the Daily Mail.
"Gary Cahill, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka — and no Micah. Oh God, I cannot believe it. I know they have injuries with John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson. That can only help us.
"England had nobody to protect the defenders at the World Cup. Tom Huddlestone could do it. It surprises me that he’s not in the squad either."
But aside from berating Fabio Capello's picks, the 23-year-old did admit his side will be underdogs for the Euro 2012 qualifier next week.
"Let’s be clear; England are the favourites," he added.
"They are one of the best teams in the world. Capello gives his team a clear focus and they have found a good goalkeeper, in Joe Hart, again.
"I have watched the Bulgaria game through and England were impressive, with some good combination play. But we are motivated by big challenges."
And after two relatively unspectacular years at Eastlands, Fernandes - who left City in 2007 and joined Chievo in Serie A last week - still has love for his former team-mates.
"I had some good memories at City," he said.
"Joe and Micah were my guys. Micah is a fantastic defender, strong and fast. I thought people were messing when they told me he is no longer with England."
And Fernandes is loved back home too, after shooting to fame for scoring the winner against Spain in the 2010 World Cup in a shock victory for the Swiss in the group stage.
"As for that Spain victory, it was incredible, but it happened because it was something we believed in.
"The Swiss public will look at that result and think we can beat England too. We must take confidence and encouragement from that game."
For the latest news and updates from Goal.com, follow our Twitter account and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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