Reputations will count for nothing in Fabio Capello's England squad according to the FA's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking.Michael Owen looks set to become the first big-name casualty of the Italian coach's regime, with reports this morning claiming there will be no place for the Newcastle striker in Capello's starting XI against Switzerland this evening.
Owen dropping to the bench would mark a major shift in philosophy from Capello's predecessors Steve McClaren and Sven-Goran Eriksson, who were often accused of being in thrall to their superstar players, even when they were lacking in form or fitness.
Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, believes the arrival of the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach marks the end of selection based on reputation.
"If you look through the side there are going to be very few automatic choices. That means everyone thinks it's up for grabs," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"If you play well then you could force your way into the Capello starting XI, and that's great, that's what everyone wants.
"There are going to be very few who can automatically turn up and think 'I'm playing' because he is going to select formations and teams on merit."
Brooking added: "I think in the friendlies he will really change it around, he wants to look at people, and generally there is an opportunity for someone who hasn't even played in the team at any stage to get into the Capello team."
Brooking insists he has already seen a major change within the England squad in the short time since the players linked up with Capello for the first time.
The Italian has introduced a raft of new rules and regulations, governing everything from what the players wear to when they can leave the dinner table.
"He's trying to plant the seed that this is how we operate, we are in this together and it is not just a case of coming in and out with your iPods on and having a chat amongst yourselves," Brooking said.
"You can see it even in the coaching. He keeps everyone on their toes, they've been very competitive trying to impress, and it's something that you can sense is different and new."
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