Capello hands debuts to Carroll, Henderson

Fabio Capello will hand England debuts to controversial Newcastle striker Andy Carroll and Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson in today’s friendly against France.

Capello confirmed yesterday that Carroll has been passed fit to start his first international after he returned to training following a groin injury sustained against Fulham on Saturday.

The 21-year-old has been involved in a series of off-field incidents this season that raised questions about whether he should be selected for England, but Capello is keen to see him in action after an impressive start to the Premier League campaign.

Henderson, 20, also has the chance to cement his place in the squad as he gets a debut in the absence of Frank Lampard after some fine displays for Sunderland this season, while Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs comes in for injured Chelsea defender Ashley Cole.

“Carroll is ok, he is fit, he will start with the first 11 like Henderson and like Gibbs,” Capello said.

“They are three young players and it will be very interesting to see them play against a very important team like France.

“I want to see the level of these three players against France. We have to support them if the performance is not okay because to play in front of 90,000 will not be easy.”

Capello, who played down reports that Everton defender Phil Jagielka would miss the game, was forced to release Jack Wilshere from the squad after the Arsenal midfielder missed training due to an unspecified injury and could be without Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart after he was injured in training yesterday.