Manchester United News: England Manager Fabio Capello Praises United Defensive Duo

England Manager Fabio Capello has described Manchester United defender Phil Jones as an ‘incredible talent’, comparing his rise in the football world with Arsenal‘s Jack Wilshere.

Later tonight, Capello will name his squad for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales. United’s first summer signing has already been included in the Under-21 squad for September matches against Azerbaijan and Israel.

A regular for U21, the duo are favorites to make it to senior squad

Jones, who captained England U21 side in the recently concluded U21 European Championship, is yet to make an appearance for the senior team. He was a part of the squad that was set to face the Netherlands in a friendly, a match that was called off due to riots.

“It is not easy to find a player who is so young that can play with so much confidence. We need to wait some games. For the friendly games that we play, if he is fit, if he is OK. I don’t know if he will be OK for Montenegro or the next games.

“But the talent is incredible. And when you find the talent, you need to use it. Jones is a talent like Wilshere. We need to wait because so far he has played one Premier League game and some minutes at Wembley. But potentially he is a fantastic player.

“He needs to play more games with Manchester United. I remember when Wilshere started to play with Arsenal. First he did well, then better, better, better and after four months he was at the top. I understood he was ready to play with the national team.

“Jones is the same.”

Another United youngster who has been creating waves with his consistent performances is Chris Smalling. The defender’s transition from center-back to being a right-back has not gone unnoticed from the Italian and at a time when first choice right-back Glen Johnson is out injured, Smalling might make the cut into England senior team for the Euro qualifiers. Capello said:

“He has improved a lot. He is also playing with confidence. When he goes forward he doesn’t play with fear. I remember him as a centre-back. Now he is right-back. He is a really interesting player in this position.”