Capello calls for Rio, Rooney and Gerrard

Ferdinand will return if fit (GETTY IMAGES)

Fabio Capello has named Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand in his provisional squad for the final Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro a week today, but he will leave it until Sunday night to decide if they are all fit enough to travel to Podgorica.

The England manager faces an anxious wait to see if they all can prove their fitness, and form, over the weekend. As for Rooney, who last played for United against Chelsea on 18 September, it is a simple case of if he plays then he will be considered fit to join the squad on Monday.

Capello will check on Gerrard's fitness by attending tomorrow's Merseyside derby at Goodison. The Liverpool captain, who has not played for England this year, is expected to begin the game as a substitute, but given England's form in their last two qualifiers he is still a big part of Capello's plans.

Andy Carroll, Danny Welbeck, Danny Sturridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Peter Crouch are among those named in the provisional squad, with a 23-man party finalised on Sunday.