Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies is one of a number of surprise inclusions in Fabio Capello’s first England squad.
New coach Capello has selected a provisional 30-man squad for the game at Wembley against the Euro 2008 on Wednesday 6th February.
Former skipper David Beckham will not win his 100th cap against Switzerland and goalkeeper Paul Robinson has also been left out.
Capello said: “The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November.
“When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in America we will look closely at him again.”
“I have selected a squad of 30 players as I think it is important that all the players are equal from the beginning,” Capello told the FA’s website.
“There are a lot of games before we join up and I think it is better that we are prepared for any injuries. This way we are not expecting to call players up as late replacements when I name a 23-man squad on Saturday evening.
“Franco Baldini and I have been watching many games since we arrived in England and we have tried to see as many English players as possible before deciding on the squad. There were a number of players that we already knew about, but there are many we have seen playing live for the first time.
“We will use the time between now and our first World Cup qualifying match in September to look at the players and find the best formula for the England team. I will also look at players who have not been included in the squad this time.”
Villa defender Davies, who is currently on loan from West Brom, has made just eight Premier League appearances this season. Davies’ club colleague Gabriel Agbonlahor is also included, while the likes of Glen Johnson, Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate also back return to the international set-up.
But there is no place in the squad for Robinson, as Capello has selected David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland as his goalkeepers.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic).
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Curtis Davies (Aston Villa), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City) Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers).
Forwards: Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool).
