I think for the first time in his England managerial career Steve McClaren has taken a positive risk in naming his squad.

England have alot of injuries (too many to mention), and are players feeling there way back after injuries (Owen), there are players that are suffering a dip in form (Joe Cole) and he’s gone down to the under 21 level to call in replacements, for me that is a positive step.

OK, i’m still not sure what Jermaine Pennant has to do to get into the squad, he’s been a good boy, and he’s had a positive start to the season, Becks is out, and so is Lennon, it’s debatable if Lennon is better than either Pennant or Bentley, the positive is Ashley Young and David Bentley, yes Young mainly plays on the left, but he can play on either flank, and Bentley has been great for the last 18 months.

I think it’s time to throw them in!

Rooney is out, Gerrard………. there is a huge question mark over whether he will play, and today Frank Lampard has gone for a scan on his thigh, just imagine if Terry was out as well! The spine would be gone, the other seasoned replacements haven’t done enough, but I think the young lads have the fire and hunger to do a job.

It’s time to stop playing safe, McClaren has taken a risk in naming some inexperienced players, it’s time to follow it through and unleash the young lions.

CAGED LIONS.