Sol's shining again as he returns from year in exile to win 70th cap

13 April 2012

The curtain appeared to have come down on Sol Campbell's England career when Steve McClaren named his first squad last summer.

John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Wes Brown and Michael Dawson were the future of English football when McClaren named five centre halves in a new-look squad ahead of a 4-0 win over Greece.

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Campbell shows his fiery side for England

Injuries, loss of form and that infamous half-time walkout at Highbury in February 2006 contributed to Campbell's fall from grace, but his career will come full circle when he lines up for England this afternoon.

Terry's absence through injury has opened the door for Campbell and the Portsmouth defender will earn his 70th cap against Estonia.

He has not played for his country since his disastrous cameo appearance against Sweden in the 2006 World Cup but his recall to the squad is redemption for a player who appeared to be past his best.

McClaren, who prefers Campbell at Wembley ahead of inexperienced Everton defender Joleon Lescott, said: '"he competition for places has always been strong.

"There were some good young centre halves coming through last year, and it was just an opportunity to look at other people — and we did that.

"Sol's reaction has been exactly what I expected. He has performed very well at Portsmouth and got on with his job of playing football.

"For that reason, along with certain other situations, he's back in the squad and he has an opportunity."

Campbell was one of a number of players who carried the can for England's poor performance in the World Cup, and he was in exile until McClaren named his squad for last month's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.

An ankle injury prevented him playing, but the absence of the England captain at Wembley today has handed the defender an unexpected opportunity.

Steven Gerrard, who will deputise as captain in Terry's absence, said: "I've got no worries about Sol. He's an experienced player and his form for Portsmouth has been very good.

"He played against Liverpool a few weeks ago and was fantastic. I'm sure he will come in and do a good job."

There were signs that Campbell's career was slowing down when Arsenal agreed to tear up his contract and pay him £1million in severance, but his attitude at Portsmouth has been first class.

Manager Harry Redknapp outmanoeuvred Manchester City to persuade him to sign, and there have been no regrets from a player who has represented his country in five major finals.

He has proved to be another astute acquisition by Redknapp, and his exceptional form has already persuaded Portsmouth to extend his contract by two years.

Redknapp said: "Sol's top class. He's a brilliant defender — powerful and superb in the air. What more do you want?"

There will always be doubts about Campbell's concentration — Henrik Larsson's last-minute equaliser for Sweden at the World Cup is a classic case in point — and his partnership with Ferdinand, another player prone to similar lapses, will come under scrutiny.

At 33, Campbell is of limited longterm value to England, but his experience is vital for a side with their sights set on next summer's tournament.

His last start was in a World Cup qualifier against Austria in August 2005 but his patience will be rewarded with a starting berth in a match England should win comfortably.

Estonia barely mounted an attack during England's 3-0 victory in Tallinn in June, and Campbell's 70th cap should be little more than stroll.

McClaren said: "I'm confident Sol will get through the game without any problems. He's an experienced player and he knows what training he needs.

"This is the regime he's going through with his club and I've had no hesitation picking him. All we're asking him to do is play against Estonia."

He may be asked to play against Russia if Terry does not recover from a knee injury in time. Terry's condition improved yesterday but McClaren will wait until Monday before deciding whether to risk him.

McClaren said: "There's still hope and, knowing John Terry as well, we're buoyed by that. We're trying everything possible to get him fit and ready."

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