Jarvis and Walker make the cut for England

Fabio has announced his 26-man squad to face Wales in the Euro 2012 qualifier as well as a friendly against Ghana on 29th March at Wembley (tickets still available). Out through injury are Walcott and Adam Johnson. That paves the way for Matt Jarvis to finally pop his cherry at international level. He has been in a few provisional squads this season already, but never quite made the final cut. The 24 year-old has been in sharp form all season. If he gets any time on the pitch, he becomes the first Wolves player to play for England since Stevey Bull (MBE !) won his final cap in 1990.  This is quite astonishing. One of the founding 12 English League teams, who have played in three Premier League seasons, have never had an England international since the Premier League began. Even John de Wolf notched up a few caps for Holland back in the 90s. Also noteworthy that Kyle Walker, on loan at Villa from Spurs, is included in the squad once again. Fabio has taken a shine to the 20 year-old full-back, despite his relative lack of Premier League football (6 apps Villa, 3 apps Spurs).

£35million Liverpool man Andy Carroll is back for another crack after a very impressive debut against France earlier this year, and Scott Parker gets another much deserved chance (although, I'm sure we all have doubts as to whether he will play, as usual). Jagielka and Gary Cahill make the cut. So too does Rob Green, although after impressive displays of late from all three English keepers, it's unlikely he will feature as anything more than third choice. 

Andy Carroll. I for one am very pleased he dropped the cornrows.

The Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Matthew Jarvis, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young.

Forwards: Darren Bent, Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney.