The Blues centre-back received a surprise recall to Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad for the friendly international in Madrid but the England coach has opted to start with Chelsea's John Terry and Man Utd's Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the England defence for tonights game at the Bernabéu stadium.
England: Paul Robinson, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Nicky Butt, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney,Michael Owen, Wayne Bridge. Subs: Jamie Carragher, David James, Phil Neville, Matthew Upson, Owen Hargreaves, Jermaine Jenas, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Alan Smith, Jermain Defoe, Chris Kirkland.
Meanwhile, Blues full back Mario Melchiot starts for Holland in their World Cup Group One qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona.
Melchiot was recalled to the Dutch squad for the first time in eight months by new coach Marco van Basten last week.
Holland: Edwin van der Sar, Mario Melchiot, Andre Ooijer, Philip Cocu, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Denny Landzaat, Barry van Galen, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuijt, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben.
Upson On The Bench
