SPORT | IN BRIEF
Capello calls up Cole for cover
FOOTBALL: West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been called up to the England squad ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against France, amid fears that Newcastle’s Andy Carroll could miss out with a groin injury. Cole has only one Premier League goal to his credit this season but could feature at Wembley with Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor having pulled out of the squad.
Injured Torres joins Spain squad
FOOTBALL: Liverpool striker Fernando Torres injured ankle ligaments in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Stoke, but will still join up with the Spanish national squad ahead of their friendly against Portugal. A Liverpool statement read: “Fernando Torres sustained an ankle ligament strain during Saturday’s clash with Stoke City – but the striker will still join up with the Spain squad for their international with Portugal. Torres will have the injury further assessed by the Spanish medical staff ahead of the friendly in Lisbon on Wednesday.”
Cook relieved to find his form
CRICKET: England opener Alastair Cook believes the century he scored against South Australia in the second innings of England’s second warm-up match ahead of the Ashes opener will inspire him to greater things. After scoring a composed 111 he said: “Obviously, it didn’t quite go to plan in Perth – so it was vital for me in this game to spend some time out there and get my rhythm back.”