China coach Zhu Guanghu named an experienced squad yesterday for next month's Asian Cup, headed by English Premier League players Zheng Zhi, Li Tie and Sun Jihai.
China are drawn in Group C of the tournament, and open their campaign against Malaysia.
Iran and Uzbekistan are also in Group C, which will play its preliminary round matches in Malaysia. The other three groups will be based in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, who are co-hosting this year's tournament. The final will be played in Indonesia.
Zheng has just completed a loan spell with relegated Charlton, Li has played for Everton and Sheffield United, while Sun plays for Manchester City.
Zhu also named Manchester United's Dong Fangzhuo as one of five forwards in the team.
The major absence from the team is Li Jinyu, a top scorer with Chinese Super League champions Shandong Luneng.
China Squad: Goalkeepers: Li Leilei, Yang Jun; Defenders: Du Wei, Sun Xiang, Zhang Yaokun, Li Weifeng, Sun Jihai, Zhang Shuai, Ji Mingyi, Cao Yang; Midfielders: Shao Jiayi, Li Tie, Zheng Zhi, Zhao Xuri, Wang Dong, Zhou Haibin, Zheng Bin, Mao Jianqing; Forwards: Han Peng, Dong Fangzhuo, Zhu Ting, Qu Bo, Wang Peng. Extras: Xin Feng, Li Yan, Xu Yunlong, Du Zhenyu, Tao Wei, Chen Dong, Zong Lei.
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