Lions manager Sir Alex Ferguson has named his team for the first test of the three match series with Brazil at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Steven Gerrard has been named as captain of the touring side.
Ferguson decided that Joe Hart's form this season made him surplus to requirements. Its been reported that Hart's cause was not helped by his role in a Head And Shoulders advert during the season, leading to questions over whether he would be a 'good tourist'. Ferguson was angered by claims that Allan McGregor was selected as a 'token Scot', pointing to his good form for Besiktas this season
Ferguson had no qualms about bringing Rio Ferdinand back from the international wilderness with Ferdinand giving assurances that he has buried the hatchet with Ashley Cole and that there will not be a special Lions edition of Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups. Cole's being chosen ahead of the in form Leighton Baines is a controversial decision however, Cole's defensive abilities are seen as invaluable to stopping the threat of Brazilian superstar Neymar.
Michael Carrick's selection ahead of Scott Parker is seen by many as a sign that the Lions will look to take the game to Brazil and Ferguson has ignored calls from Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce to employ a 'more direct approach'.
There has been much debate over who would be entrusted with the centre forward position with Shane Long eventually getting the nod. Long's hold up play, work rate and experience in the lone striker role see him just pip Danny Welbeck. Northern Ireland fans have reacted furiously to David Healy not even making the subs bench, with Gerry Armstrong 'baffled' at Ferguson ignoring the claims of a player with 36 international goals.
Phil Jones and Ryan Giggs were two surprise omissions with Chelsea manager José Mourinho accusing Ferguson of trying to to protect them for next year's Premier League campaign. Jack Wilshire was also the subject of a 'Club vs Country' row with Arsene Wenger refusing to let him join up with the squad, citing 'tiredness' and 'mental fatigue'. Daniel Sturridge was also unlucky to miss out after showing good form for Liverpool towards the end of the season. There were worries whether Sturridge's refusal to pass unless absolutely necessary would result in friction in the squad.
Giovanni Trappatoni has reacted with surprise to Hoolohan being named on the bench and has questioned whether the Lions have the 'mentality' and 'personality' to succeed in the searing heat of the Maracanã. Trap also called for the Lions to employ 'a direct approach'.
Images by Barry Downes
