Barnes hails World Cup squad

Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes says Fabio Capello has picked a squad based on form after the England manager announced his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup.

Barnes, capped 79 times for the national team, says there aren't too many surprise inclusions or omissions, although Adam Johnson's selection ahead of Ashley Young caught his eye.

One concern for the ex-Tranmere boss however remains the fitness of some of England's biggest players, with Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney still carrying knocks, whilst Gareth Barry's ankle problem will see him out until at least the first group game.

Barnes is also the Ambassador for the UK Final of the Tesco Cup, the UK's biggest grassroots football competition. The Final, being contested across three age groups by boys and girls, takes place this Sunday at the Reebok Stadium and is sure to catch the eye of many scouts who are being sent to watch the event.

But it's all about the day as the best of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland converge in Bolton and Barnes believes the competition is giving youngsters a chance to thrive.