Post by ballyetta on May 28, 2013 6:56:59 GMT
www.francemaillotdefoot.com
England are without a number of players for their first game against Republic of Ireland since 1995.
Steven Gerrard (shoulder), Andy Carroll (heel), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Tom Cleverley (calf) and Kyle Walker all miss out.
Los Angeles Galaxy have given permission for striker Robbie Keane to join up with the Republic squad.
Keane initially looked set to miss the game because it falls outside of the international window.
The Republic visit Wembley for the first time since 1991 as part of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations, a schedule that also includes a game in Brazil on Sunday.
After a meeting with Scotland in August, England will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign in September, by which time they could be five points behind Group H leaders Montenegro.
"It is important for me to use this opportunity to look at players once more as we prepare for our final four qualifying matches," said manager Roy Hodgson.
"These fixtures are part of The FA's 150th anniversary celebrations and some have used the word 'friendly' to describe these matches.
"However, in my book there is no such thing - these are crucial preparation matches for the qualification games."
As well as the trip to Wembley, the Republic host Georgia before a home qualifier against Faroe Islands, with their summer programme completed by a clash with Spain in New York.
Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni can call of the services of 32-year-old Keane, winner of 123 caps, he is without striker Kevin Doyle (Achilles tendon), winger Anthony Pilkington (knee) and midfielder Paul Green (hamstring).
Despite the absentees, the Italian has challenged his players to prove they can match England's star names.
"We can show them we are the same - that's very important," said Trapattoni. "That's a stimulation for me, it's very important that they show they are every bit as good.
"England are missing Steven Gerrard, Andy Carroll is also out, but they have a strong team. They have others - Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck - it's OK, Hodgson has enough offensive players.
"But I have confidence because our team in the last game gave me much trust."
The last meeting between the two sides 18 years ago in Dublin was abandoned after 27 minutes because of crowd violence.
Hodgson, who has said Manchester United's Rooney or Chelsea's Frank Lampard will captain England in Gerrard's absence, has asked the home supporters to respect both the visiting opponents and supporters at Wembley.
"In my time as England manager the support this team has received at home and abroad has been nothing short of fantastic," said Hodgson.
"Long before I came into the job I knew that the behaviour and reputation of England fans has developed into something we all should be very proud of.
"I hope everyone who follows England understands that position has been built by many fans over a long period of time and sadly it can be undone very quickly by a minority.
"As much as we all want to win, respect for the game and for our opponents is paramount. This game is no different and I strongly urge everyone in the ground to show each other respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others - particularly from a religious or political perspective."
www.francemaillotdefoot.com
England are without a number of players for their first game against Republic of Ireland since 1995.
Steven Gerrard (shoulder), Andy Carroll (heel), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Tom Cleverley (calf) and Kyle Walker all miss out.
Los Angeles Galaxy have given permission for striker Robbie Keane to join up with the Republic squad.
Keane initially looked set to miss the game because it falls outside of the international window.
The Republic visit Wembley for the first time since 1991 as part of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations, a schedule that also includes a game in Brazil on Sunday.
After a meeting with Scotland in August, England will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign in September, by which time they could be five points behind Group H leaders Montenegro.
"It is important for me to use this opportunity to look at players once more as we prepare for our final four qualifying matches," said manager Roy Hodgson.
"These fixtures are part of The FA's 150th anniversary celebrations and some have used the word 'friendly' to describe these matches.
"However, in my book there is no such thing - these are crucial preparation matches for the qualification games."
As well as the trip to Wembley, the Republic host Georgia before a home qualifier against Faroe Islands, with their summer programme completed by a clash with Spain in New York.
Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni can call of the services of 32-year-old Keane, winner of 123 caps, he is without striker Kevin Doyle (Achilles tendon), winger Anthony Pilkington (knee) and midfielder Paul Green (hamstring).
Despite the absentees, the Italian has challenged his players to prove they can match England's star names.
"We can show them we are the same - that's very important," said Trapattoni. "That's a stimulation for me, it's very important that they show they are every bit as good.
"England are missing Steven Gerrard, Andy Carroll is also out, but they have a strong team. They have others - Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck - it's OK, Hodgson has enough offensive players.
"But I have confidence because our team in the last game gave me much trust."
The last meeting between the two sides 18 years ago in Dublin was abandoned after 27 minutes because of crowd violence.
Hodgson, who has said Manchester United's Rooney or Chelsea's Frank Lampard will captain England in Gerrard's absence, has asked the home supporters to respect both the visiting opponents and supporters at Wembley.
"In my time as England manager the support this team has received at home and abroad has been nothing short of fantastic," said Hodgson.
"Long before I came into the job I knew that the behaviour and reputation of England fans has developed into something we all should be very proud of.
"I hope everyone who follows England understands that position has been built by many fans over a long period of time and sadly it can be undone very quickly by a minority.
"As much as we all want to win, respect for the game and for our opponents is paramount. This game is no different and I strongly urge everyone in the ground to show each other respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others - particularly from a religious or political perspective."
www.francemaillotdefoot.com