London - The worth of international friendlies is often contested, and with seven senior players missing from England's squad to face Trinidad and Tobago Sunday, this one seems more pointless than most.

But for a number of young players this is a chance to impress manager Fabio Capello before the World Cup qualification campaign begins in September.

Before the opening matches against Andorra and Croatia, England have only a friendly against Czech Republic left after Sunday's game in Port of Spain to finalise their plans.

Capello allowed Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney to skip the trip to the Caribbean, after the seven played in the Champions League final in Moscow ten days ago.

Two players involved in that fixture do remain with the squad - Rio Ferdinand, who has hopes of the captaincy, and Wayne Bridge, who is back-up to Ashley Cole at left-back.

But this is more about the likes of Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor of Aston Villa, or Arsenal's Theo Walcott, or possibly even Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, all of whom are likely to be given a run out after encouraging seasons.

Perhaps most desperate for a start is West Ham forward Dean Ashton, who would have played in Steve McClaren's first game against Greece had he not suffered a broken ankle in training.

"It's been two very, very difficult years," he said. "I've had a few doubters, so I'm really pleased to have got back to this stage.

"When a new manager comes in you hope you can impress and that he's going to look at new players.

"Players are picked who've played well for their clubs, no matter what. That's why I think the players who haven't been in think we've got the chance to take those places.

"I'm not saying Wayne Rooney isn't an unbelievable player but I feel I can get in the team as well."

According to Carlos Edwards, one of the Sunderland players in the Trinidad and Tobago squad, this is a game that is exciting both islands.

"This game has a lot of interest in it," he said. "It's not just for the team, but for the country as a whole.'

"I know England definitely will be coming here to put on a good show because those guys are playing for a pick for their World Cup qualifiers.

"It'll be nice to face these guys on home soil." (dpa)