England picked Bobby Zamora yesterday for the first time since August after coach Fabio Capello named his 26-man squad for next month's 2012 European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.

The striker was injured for much of the season but was pivotal in Fulham’s late climb to eighth in the Premier League standings, scoring four goals in 11 matches.

With Andy Carroll injured and Wayne Rooney suspended, Zamora is one of four strikers alongside Aston Villa’s Darren Bent and Tottenham pair Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also returns after missing several matches because of injury, with the captaincy passing back to John Terry in the meantime.

After a dismal second-round exit from last year’s World Cup, England is top of qualifying Group G after four games on goal difference from Montenegro.

England hosts Switzerland on 4 June, when Montenegro hosts Bulgaria.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Scott Carson, Joe Hart, David Stockdale

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young.

Strikers: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora.