England boss Fabio Capello has Arsenal fullback Kieran Gibbs under consideration for his World Cup squad.

The Guardian says Capello made a personal check on Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs this week as the England manager looked at his left-back options for the World Cup next year.

Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge are Capello's first and second choice in that position but injury to either of them for the tournament in South Africa would mean England were short of genuine contenders.

Capello watched Gibbs in the Carling Cup win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsène Wenger insisted his player is ready to make the jump from the Under-21s to England's senior team.