CAPELLO TO PAIR LAMPARD AND GERRARD

Refusing to heed the lesson his predecessors learned the long and hard way, Fabio Capello is believed to be intent on pairing Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in England's midfield during the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Despite the success of England's 4-1 victory in Croatia, in which Gareth Barry partnered Lampard while Gerrard recuperated from a groin operation, Capello has reportedly decided to pair the Liverpool captain and Lampard together in central midfield in a full-scale practice match on Thursday ahead of Saturday's clash with Kazakhstan at Wembley.

One suggestion is that Barry will be omitted, although he would most likely regain his place for next Wednesday's tie in Belarus. Another is that he will be tasked with playing as the midfield anchor as Gerrard and Lampard push forward in a 4-3-3.

While the withdrawal of Joe Cole, who started last month's tie in Zagreb, means there is a vacancy to be filled on the left of England's midfield, Capello is understood to be reticent about playing Gerrard wide.

The Daily Mail claims that Shaun Wright-Phillips has 'been brought into the squad as a direct left-sided replacement for Cole. The Manchester City winger, who has not played for his country since scoring in Capello's first match in charge against Switzerland in February, might be predominantly right-footed but he is earmarked to replace Cole in the hour-long session.'