Pembridge takes Savage role

Wales today named Mark Pembridge in the centre of their midfield as boss Mark Hughes settled on the man to replace the suspended Robbie Savage.

The team to face England at Old Trafford was much as expected, with Pembridge included after Andy Johnson of West Brom was declared unavailable with a back injury.

That meant Ryan Giggs lined up on the left flank, at the Manchester United winger’s home ground, and he was set to come up against club-mate Gary Neville, picked by England at right-back.

John Hartson was picked as the out-and-out striker in what was expected to be a 4-5-1 formation, although the option was available for Hughes to push Craig Bellamy alongside the Celtic frontman.

Bellamy was set to start the game playing wide right in midfield.

WALES: Jones, Delaney, Melville, Gabbidon, Thatcher, Pembridge, Davies, Speed, Giggs, Bellamy, Hartson.