Fabio Capello has promised worried Premier League bosses he will not risk their star men in England's friendly with the Netherlands tonight.

Steven Gerrard and Ben Foster have already pulled out, with Theo Walcott almost certain to follow them after withdrawing from training this week without making any meaningful contribution. Capello has also reported a slight doubt over Emile Heskey due to a long-standing achilles complaint.

And, having pledged to make the maximum six substitutions, the Italian has attempted to reassure club bosses anxiously waiting for the curtain to go up on a new Premier League season at the weekend. "I always try to help the managers," said Capello.

"When I was a club manager, I said the same things as them. I didn't like it (an August friendly) either. That is normal. I have to choose the best players for the England team because I think it is very important. But I will make six substitutions tomorrow because it is important to look after the players."

I have to choose the best players for the England team because I think it is very important,
England manager Fabio Capello.

Capello has confirmed Gerrard's injury means Ashley Young will start for the first time after five previous substitute appearances for the Aston Villa man. Two of those caps came during Capello's reign. The first represented just about the only negative from a marvellous night in Berlin last November, when England defeated Germany.

As the second came in a six-goal rout of Andorra in June, it is that first disappointing appearance that provides the reference point for Capello's analysis. "Every player has a different style and Ashley Young is really important because he is one of the English players who can dribble and take people on one on one," said Capello.

"He has only played twice for me. The first time it was so-so. The second he played very well. Now he needs the confidence to perform against one of the best national sides in the world."

Young represents the example for every young player to follow as England embarks on an 11-month period they hope will end in FIFA World Cup™ glory. Frank Lampard has described it as the biggest moment in so many England careers. Capello is not about to disagree. And he includes his own.

"They were very important words from one of the leaders of the team," said Capello. "And I think the other players think the same. It is really important for them, and for me. But first we have to get there. Then we will focus on the World Cup."

As England require just one win from three qualifying games that conclude at Wembley against Belarus, it is hard to see them failing to meet their objective. And, while he may be some way off having to decide which players will carry a nation's hopes, Capello is slowly formulating his plans.

Goalkeeping concerns
To an outsider for example, the goalkeeping position seems to be a concern. David James and Foster have been ruled out through injury this week, Robert Green, who will keep his place after starting the last two internationals, lacks experience at the highest level, while big question marks hang over Paul Robinson and Joe Hart, the other two men on duty this week.

It seemed fair therefore to suggest to Capello he had no idea who his number one keeper would be in South Africa was not exactly ideal. "You think so? I know who it will be," he said. "Yes," he added when pressed further on the fact he professed to know a name. The clear inference is that James will be the man, even though he will be touching 40 on 11 July 2010 when the most precious trophy the game has to offer will be handed to the winning captain.

Unusually though, Capello was more candid with his team selection for tomorrow night's game. Green in goal, back four as expected, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard in central midfield, David Beckham to get Walcott's place if the Arsenal man misses out, as seems certain, Carlton Cole to replace Heskey should the Villa veteran decide it is not worth the risk.

And Wayne Rooney, in the roving forward's role he loves best, a fact Sir Alex Ferguson is set to acknowledge at Manchester United this season. "Yes, I am pleased about that," said Capello. "I don't know if he'll play the same position in the future but I am happy he plays there now. He is always in the centre of the action, can receive and play a lot of passes, and can score goals."