Capello stands by decision to let England stars skip friendly

FABIO CAPELLO has defended his decision to send five key men back to their clubs ahead of England’s sell-out friendly with Ghana at Wembley tonight.

On Sunday the Football Association confirmed that Chelsea trio John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard had returned to Stamford Bridge, Wayne Rooney had gone back to Manchester United and Michael Dawson was heading to Tottenham after starting Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales.

It is a move that leaves Capello open to accusations of bias given the 19 players left — Aston Villa’s Kyle Walker and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon have been ruled out through injury — are all equally important to their own clubs.