England coach Fabio Capello has admitted that he is not looking forward to telling seven players in his provisional World Cup squad that they will not be making the trip to South Africa.
Capello named 30 players in his provisional party on Tuesday, but he will have to trim that number down to 23 for his final World Cup squad.
Uncapped duo Michael Dawson and Adam Johnson have been brought into the squad, while Capello must also decide whether to gamble on Gareth Barry’s fitness and decide if Ledley King’s knee can stand up to the demands of an intense World Cup campaign.
The Italian-born coach will monitor his players in friendlies against Mexico and Japan later this month, and at a training camp in Austria.
“The players have to understand my style, what I want, how I work,” said Capello. “We have time to look at them all closely in Austria.
“It remains an open contest because I don’t know yet my final 23. I have some doubts about some players and I must decide.
“I am concerned about fitness, freshness and injuries and this time in Austria is so important for me.
“June 1 will be decision day for the ones who will not go with me to South Africa. Waiting for two days after the Japan game is important to gauge knocks and injuries.
“After that I will tell the players personally. It will not be done on the plane on the way home and I will speak to them face to face.
“It is a difficult time and hard for any manager. I am not looking forward to it, especially as everyone wants to go to the World Cup.”
