Capello keeps Terry but also eyes youth

England manager Fabio Capello chose to keep John Terry in his squad for friendlies against Spain and Sweden but also had one eye on the future.

Chelsea skipper Terry is currently the subject of a police investigation of allegedly racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry strongly denied the allegations and Capello insisted he should not be punished for a crime he hasn’t even been convicted of.

"We had a meeting with the FA on Friday," said Capello. "We spoke to John Terry. I think he is innocent until proved guilty."

Despite Terry’s inclusion Capello has revealed he intends to play a number of young players against World and European Champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday.

Kyle Walker has been in squad before but is expected to make his debut, while Daniel Sturridge and Jack Rodwell are called-up for the first time.

Chelsea forward Sturridge has been in fine form this calendar year, building on a impressive loan spell with Bolton Wanderers before a carrying a profitable pre-season into matches for the Blues.

He's an interesting player and a player who scores goals," said Capello. "I've seen him play right wing, left and centre‑forward. He has improved a lot."

Everton midfielder Rodwell meanwhile has benefitted from playing Live Football  regularly in the Toffees starting line-up and is set to add a senior England cap to his collection earned at Under-21 and youth levels.

There is no place for Wayne Rooney, with Capello looking at other options as he prepares to cope without the Manchester United striker for the first three games of the Euro 2012 campaign thanks to his red card against Montenegro last month.

Manchester City’s in-form full-back Micah Richards isn’t included either. The defender just doesn’t seem to be in favour with Capello and with have to Watch Football Live on TV like the rest of us. Liverpool defender Glenn Johnson – never the most convincing at international level - has been called-up 

instead..