Capello calls for Scholes return to England
May 11, 2008
In 2004, Paul Scholes retired from International football in a bid to prolong his status as a world class footballer. There is no doubt Scholes is no longer the player he was but he has used his experience to adapt his game and is contributing an awful lot to Manchester United this season.
Scholes’ form this season has not been unnoticed and new England boss Fabio Capello seems intent on bringing the central midfielder back into the England fold. Capello, talking of Scholes and fellow former international Jamie Carragher, said: “We will make attempts with the players that have retired from international football, but we won’t and can’t force anybody to play for England.”
Capello is right, he can’t force Scholes to play and I certainly don’t expect to see Scholes pull on a Three Lions shirt ever again. Sorry Fabio, but Scholes retired for a reason; he has a family and he wants to concentrate on prolonging his United career.
Capello’s call for a return of Paul Scholes does make you wonder what the Italian’s plans are for the national team. England already has Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry, David Beckham and David Bentley in midfield so if Capello is thinking about Scholes, which of those would make way? An England midfield trio of Hargreaves, Carrick and Scholes, there’s a thought.
More that may interest you
- Paul Scholes to retire within 2 seasons- Squad numbers for the 2008/09 season released
- England hit five as boo boys switch from Lampard to Ashley Cole
- Paul Scholes should be back in December
