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Fully-fit squad turn out for England

Fri 30 May, 03:30 PM


England had a fully-fit squad when their squad trained in Port of Spain for their final international of the season against Trinidad & Tobago.All 22 players in coach Fabio Capello's trimmed down squad were put through their paces by the Italian and his assistants in temperatures of more than 80 degrees.

Hundreds of local football fans greeted David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and the other players as they entered the stadium to begin their preparations for a match which is expected to have more importance because of its off-the-field significance.

England are hoping their appearance in the Caribbean will help in terms of gaining votes for the 2018 World Cup bid.

FIFA vice-president and Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation special adviser Jack Warner greeted Capello and the players when they arrived in Trinidad late on Friday.

Only Ferdinand and Wayne Bridge were remaining of the players who had been involved in the Champions' League final nine days ago.

Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney were excused duty after their exertions in Moscow.

The likes of Ashley Young, Theo Walcott and Gabriel Agbonlahor had more reason than most to impress the watching Capello as they are likely to feature against T&T.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart could also earn his first cap on Sunday after a promising first season at Eastlands under former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

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