Only two Charlton players in England squad

Only two players are in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers, Darren Bent and Luke Young. There is no call up for Danny Murphy who was at least one of those considered. Jermaine Jenas is, however, called up, although he hardly impressed at The Valley yesterday, although Murphy was perhaps not at his very best. At least the hapless Owen Hargreaves is out, but only because of injury.

Of course, ten years ago the whole idea of the Addicks being represented at England level would have been absurd, so we shouldn't complain about being limited to two. Now we will have fifteen players on international duty next week.

Man mountain Peter Crouch has been called up and is likely to start in a 4-4-2 formation with Michael Owen who is expected to recover from a dead leg which meant that he could not play for Newcastle on Saturday. With Wayne Rooney suspended, Darren Bent will have to compete for a place as a sub with Judas Defoe. Luke Young is, however, likely to start against Austria.