Capello names side to face Switzerland

Fabio Capello has trimmed his first England squad down to 23 players for Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland.

The England manager unveiled a provisional 30-man group on Thursday.

Those omitted are Curtis Davies (Aston Villa), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Michael Carrick (Manchester United) and Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough).

Emile Heskey and Ledley King have been ruled out due to injury.

It means Gabriel Agbonlahor, one of four strikers left in the squad, is on course to make his England debut.

After the announcement, Capello said: "I want to be clear that the players who have not made the squad this time are still part of my plans.

"We will be monitoring the form of everyone very closely as we work towards the competitive matches which start in September.

"It is of course a blow to lose Ledley King from the squad. He is a very good player who has impressed me a lot when I have seen him play.

"I am fully aware of his injury status after speaking with Juande Ramos on Friday.

"Emile Heskey's injury is disappointing too but we have to concentrate on the players who are in the squad."

The England squad will gather at their hotel in Watford on Sunday afternoon, but Capello will not decide who will lead out the team until the eve of the match.

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