McClaren puts faith in Campbell fitness

SOL CAMPBELL will return from international exile at Wembley today with England coach Steve McClaren confident the veteran defender’s body can take the strain of two punishing Euro 2008 qualifiers in four days.

Although John Terry’s knee injury has shown encouraging signs of improvement, the odds must still be against him being fit enough to make the journey to Moscow next week.

It means that not only will Campbell be required for today’s home encounter with Estonia, he may also be needed when England put their qualification hopes on the line against Russia next week.

Given the 33-year-old has already pulled out of two England squads this season with groin and hamstring injuries, missed training on Tuesday with an Achilles complaint and has not played twice in such a short space of time since January, it is little wonder the issue of Campbell’s fitness is being raised.

However, McClaren cannot see a problem. And, having stated his intention to bring the Portsmouth veteran back into the England fold during the summer, the England coach is happy for his judgement to be tested.

“I am very confident Sol’s body will get through two games,” said McClaren. “He is an experienced player who knows what training he needs.

“He has a regime he goes through with his club and we have no problem with that. I have no hesitation putting him in.”

With the Campbell issue sorted, McClaren must now decide whether to partner new skipper Steven Gerrard with Gareth Barry or Frank Lampard in the heart of England’s midfield.

The smart money is on the Aston Villa man keeping his place, although it could be a close call.

“It is a massive decision, one of the toughest I have had all week,” said McClaren.

“I am choosing between two players who have performed well for England. Frank has been extremely consistent over the last few years, while Gareth came in and performed really well against Israel and Russia last month.”

With Nicky Shorey seemingly pencilled in to replace Ashley Cole – one of the players a booking away from being suspended for the Russia clash – McClaren’s team is taking shape.

And, for the first time during his reign, he will have Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney together up front.

Although the pair have not exactly set the world alight when they have combined previously, Rooney appeared to shoulder most of the blame for that on Wednesday when he claimed that his performances for England over the last two years have been extremely disappointing.

And McClaren, in welcoming Rooney’s assessment, has detected an obvious desire within the Manchester United man to start making amends.

“Wayne’s comments were very honest and should be applauded,” said McClaren.

“It is refreshing for a player to say he is disappointed with his own performance. There should be more of that.’’