Michael Dawson admitted devastation just hours before shock England recall
Michael Dawson(credit:
Wikipedia)
Michael Dawson admitted his World Cup snub by England coach Fabio Capello had left him devastated just hours before a shocking recall.
The Tottenham centre-back was one of seven men cut from Capello’s squad on Tuesday as the Italian confirmed his 23 men for South Africa.
Dawson had said: “It was a great honour for me to be involved in the 30-man squad.
“To end the season and get the call to be involved was fantastic, and a chance to go to the World Cup was a dream.
“Unfortunately the dream was cut short when I got a call. It was devastating to get that call, but seven people had to get it and unfortunately I was one of them.
“I was told in a phone call from Mr Capello, he just phoned and said ‘I’m sorry, but you haven’t made the plane’, but I am in his thoughts for the Euros.
“It was a quick call. I was devastated. But, without a shadow of a doubt, it has made me more determined to win my first cap.”
However, later in the day England captain Rio Ferdinand suffered a knee injury during training that has ruled him out of the World Cup, and Dawson got the call from Capello to fly out to South Africa.
In Ferdinand's absence, Bet365 have made Ledley King an 11/10 favourite to start alongside John Terry in the centre of England's defence.
Spokesman Steve Freeth said: "Rio’s absence is a body blow for England and all eyes are now on who will partner John Terry in central defence.
“Ledley King didn’t have the best game against Mexico and the lack of pace without Ferdinand has to be a worry for Capello.”
Who will partner John Terry against the United States:
Ledley King 11/10
Jamie Carragher 13/8
Matthew Upson 11/2
Michael Dawson 8/1