England manager Fabio Capello taking only fully fit players to South Africa

By Will Ashwell

England manager Fabio Capello has warned that only fully-fit players will be taken to South Africa this summer when England travel to compete in the World Cup.

Amidst concerns over the fitness of England and Manchester United stalwart Rio Ferdinand, Capello has reaffirmed that he will only choose those players who are in peak condition.

"If you have to recover someone it's no good. When we go it will not be the warm season, when it is easier to recover. It will be cold in South Africa," Capello told the Press Association.

The likes of Ledley King have been ruled out of selection given his inability to play consecutive matches, something Rio Ferdinand will have to prove if he wants to make the squad.

"If Rio will play the games before the last squad, for me he is fit and will go to the World Cup.

"In that situation he can stay. We spoke about King and it is impossible for him to stay with us. Sometimes he trains Friday to play Saturday."

Goalkeeper David James is also a concern as his recent knee injury keeps the Portsmouth stopper from quick recuperation.

"He's playing well but his problem is he can't train for two days (after) each game," Capello said. "It's one problem we have to decide.

"I'm happy because Foster played well, Green plays well. And James has this problem and we have to decide what we'll do. I'm happy with the keepers, no problem."

Capello has not closed the door on Michael Owen maintaining, "He is in the provisional squad."

Capello was also complimentary of Sunderland's Darren Bent.

"He's playing very well and scoring goals. He's improved a lot this year. Sometimes it's very important for a player to play."

Kieran Gibbs will stay with the Under-21s despite making several first team appearances for Arsenal in the absence of the injured Gael Clichy.

"Gibbs is a really good player, he's very interesting for the future of the England team," Capello said. "But he's young and now he has to play in a really important game for the Under-21s against Portugal at Wembley."

Capello plans to use the Brazil encounter as a test to see how well-prepared his side are for next summer's competition.

"I think it will be important for us to understand where we are.

"It is very important to note the different style that they play. Also we are playing against players at a very high level. This is very, very important. The same problems we will have to face at the World Cup.