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England captain Rio Ferdinand says fellow defender Chris Smalling has enjoyed a fast paced rise to the top over recent months.

The former Fulham defender only made his professional debut last season before a multi-million pound switch to Old Trafford in the summer, where he’s played mainly in the League Cup and Champions League.

That form has been deemed enough by Fabio Capello for his first ever call up, with a number of injuries to defenders affecting squad selection.

England take on France tonight in a friendly at Wembley and Ferdinand says he’s hoping the new players can put in decent accounts of themselves to leave Capello with somewhat of a dilemma ahead of March’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Wales.

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In a much changed England squad, missing key players such as Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and John Terry, manager Fabio Capello says he’s looking for some good performances from the new call ups against France.

Newcastle striker Andy Carroll and Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson will play at Wembley on Wednesday night, whilst Cardiff City forward Jay Bothroyd and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling are hoping to take to the pitch at some stage on their first inclusions.

Meanwhile Capello has warned Andy Carroll over his private life. The 21-year old was fined last month after admitting a charge of assault, which forced him to live under the supervision of Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan for a while.

It’s England’s final match of the year and last run out ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales in March.

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We speak to Sportingbet.com’s ambassador and former England captain Alec Stewart ahead of the First Test against Pakistan at Trent Bridge. Pakistan surprised many as they levelled their two match series against Australia last week after an impressive bowling display. From England’s point of view it’s their last series before this winter’s Ashes series down under, and Stewart believes Andrew Strauss’ side are in for a tough, but winable, ride.

Eyes will be cast over the progress of a number of England’s players, with Steven Finn looking to pick up where he left off against Bangladesh, whilst at the top of the order Jonathan Trott’s impressive form will be crucial, and Kevin Pietersen makes his return to the side.

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Liverpool’s new signing Joe Cole speaks to the media after his free transfer move to Anfield this summer. The 28-year old ended a seven year stay at Stamford Bridge this summer and says he’s delighted he’ll be playing in front of the Anfield faithful for the next four years.

It’s the England man’s first move away from London but he says that isn’t phasing him, with him and his family all excited about the future.

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– GB strike gold in Barcelona
– Canford Cliffs tipped to claim Sussex Stakes
– Murray and Maclagan part ways

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– Campbell having Newcastle medical
– European Athletics Championships under way
– Two years to go till London 2012
– Glorious Goodwood set to start

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– Alonso defends Ferrari behaviour
– Brit athlete Pavey out of Euros
– Contador claims Tour hat-trick
– Bopara left out in the cold

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– Cole on Liverpool switch
– Gunners confirm Eduardo exit
– Herbert excited by King George line-up

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– Hodgson delight at Gerrard comments
– Liverpool closing in on Rangers defender
– Jol still favourite for Fulham job
– Australia and Pakistan set for Second Test at Headingley
– Contador retains yellow jersey
– British Athletes prepare for European Championships

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– Liverpool snap up Joe Cole
– Capello to add another English coach
– Guardiola admits Fabregas deal is ‘difficult’
– Dorrans commits to West Brom
– Lennon admits Samaras uncertainty

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