 Parker has been outstanding for West Ham, but won his last England cap in 2006
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes midfielder Scott Parker deserves a place in England's World Cup squad. Parker has been a rare shining light for the Hammers this season, prompting talk of the 29-year-old being recalled. And with Gareth Barry a doubt due to injury, Zola thinks England manager Fabio Capello may turn to Parker, who has three caps to his name. "If you ask me, I would say take him but I am his manager. I know Capello will do the right things," Zola said. Capello will name a provisional 30-man World Cup party on Tuesday, with that then pared down to the final 23 by 1 June ahead of England's Group C opener against the United States on 12 June. And with England regular Barry doubtful for the start of the tournament due to an ankle injury that is set to take at least four weeks to heal, Capello may look to add extra midfield cover to his squad.  | 606: DEBATE |
Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone would be contenders for the defensive midfield spot if Barry were to miss the start of the tournament, but Zola believes that Parker is worth consideration. "If they take Scott Parker they will not be disappointed," the Italian added. "He has been our player of the season. For me personally, he has been exceptional. He has been an inspiration for others." Parker's inclusion in the 30-man squad would be a surprise, but perhaps not the only one with Saturday's newspapers almost unanimous in suggesting that Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is set to come out of international retirement for the South Africa finals. | Part of his thinking will be 'who has done so well for me in previous games?' and Emile Heskey has to come into that category |
Carragher has won 34 caps for England, but called time on his international career in 2007 citing a lack of opportunities to start matches. However, reports in several papers suggest that Capello and England's general manager, Franco Baldini have learnt that Carragher's position has softened and are keen to take him to this summer's tournament. One player almost certain to make the squad despite having fallen out of favour at club level is Emile Heskey - the Aston Villa striker has been a regular for England even though he has only started 16 Premier League games this season. "He played in the qualifying rounds and I should imagine that will stand him in very good stead," Heskey's club boss Martin O'Neill said. "I think overall the England manager will have a fair idea of his squad. "Part of his thinking will be 'who has done so well for me in previous games?' and Emile Heskey has to come into that category. "In truth he has been a wee bit unlucky with Villa this season. I thought he was splendid in the Carling Cup final but he came back and picked up a knock or two."
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