International friendly England vs Egypt preview

With just a few months to go before the World Cup England face African champions Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday night. For England boss Fabio Capello it will be good opportunity to look at his available options.

One of Capello’s main problem positions is left-back. With Ashley Cole currently out injured it gives Everton’s Leighton Baines and Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock the opportunity to impress. Baines looks set to win his first cap and if Warnock appears it will be his second cap.

Steven Gerrard will captain the England side with captain Rio Ferdinand sidelined with an injury. England could also give international debuts to Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross and Birmingham keeper Joe Hart.

England’s opposition Egypt claimed their record third consecutive African Cup of Nations victory in January. Their strike force is spearheaded by Mohamed Zidan, who is rated as one of the best players of his generation.

He currently plies his trade in Germany’s Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. West Ham striker and Zidan’s countrymen Mido has even suggested the 28 year-old would be ideal for English football. He is talented but can also frustrate his own fans. He is likely to be Egypt’s biggest threat to the home defence.