KEY POINTS:
LONDON - Former captain David Beckham was named among the substitutes for England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia today but goalkeeper Paul Robinson was left out of the squad altogether.
Scott Carson, who made his debut in last week's 1-0 friendly win over Austria and barely touched the ball, was named in goal for the game where England need a point to reach the finals.
There was no place for Robinson, whose air-shot gifted Croatia their second goal in the team's first Group E meeting 13 months ago and who has been struggling for form all season, with former first choice David James on the bench.
Beckham, who looked off the pace in Vienna, will have to wait to earn his 99th cap as Shaun Wright-Phillips was preferred in the right midfield role.
As expected, Peter Crouch will fill a lone striker role in front of a five-man midfield.
Croatia have already qualified for the finals in Austria and Switzerland but a point or a win on Wednesday would ensure they go into the draw among the second seeds.
- REUTERS
