England rushing to beat Scots to Caulker

Fabio Capello is ready to pick Steven Caulker in his full England squad – to keep him out of Scotland’s clutches.

The England boss is a big fan of the Swansea defender, who is on loan from Tottenham, and watched him against Arsenal at the weekend ahead of a call-up to face Holland next month.

Caulker, 20, has played for England at Youth and Under-21 level, but because he has a Scottish grandmother is also eligible for Craig Levein’s Tartan Army.

England are keen to promote Caulker, who is seen as a future Spurs star, to the senior squad as soon as possible.

Caulker does not have to choose between the two nations until he is 21 and even playing in a friendly will not change this.

But if England can get him involved at the top level it will be a major step in winning the battle for his allegiance.