Ledley King Earns Shock Recall As Capello Names England Squad

England coach Fabio Capello has announced his 23-man squad for next weekend's Slovakia friendly and the following World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

As expected, most of the squad have retained their places despite the loss to Spain in February, though there is a major shock with the inclusion of Spurs defender Ledley King, a man who earlier today had expressed hopes of once again playing for his country despite cumulative damage to his knee preventing him training properly.

Everton's Leighton Baines receives a reward for excellent recent form with a call-up to the senior squad, and is joined by Toffees team-mates Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka amongst the party's defenders.

Aston Villa's Gabby Agbonlahor has suffered for his recent slump in form and is omitted, along with Ashley Young, with Stewart Downing retaining his place, and Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips adding competition in the attacking wide areas.

Ben Foster, as expected, has made the cut in place of Joe Hart, off the back of his League Cup final heroics. He may be afforded game time against Slovakia, but is likely to only be on the bench for the qualifier against Ukraine. West Ham United's Robert Green also earns a recall.

England face Slovakia at 17:15 GMT on Saturday, March 28. They host Ukraine on April 1, kicking off at 20:00.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (Manchester United), Robert Green (West Ham United), David James (Portsmouth)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur), Joleon Lescott (Everton), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (AC Milan (Loan from LA Galaxy)), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).

Forwards: Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Zack Wilson, Goal.com