Forget Crouch, put in Heskey. Sure, he’s old. He’s also not that fast. But he draws defenders. He holds the ball well for someone else, who can strike it with fury and power. Someone like Rooney.

Capello is all about finding the right combination. Barry + Gerrard was good, yes, but Heskey + Owen was best. It was the combination that even redeemed the pitiful England to have a last chance to qualify.

If that combination doesn’t work, then I would like to Rooney and Owen. Utilizing the formation that Manchester United uses, Rooney would play a little behind Owen, providing a lethal link from midfield to striker. Owen may not have the speed of Tevez, but he’s got the finishing.

By his track record, we know that Capello will build a strong defense, and go from there. The CM position MUST be filled by Hargreaves and Gerrard. Both are capable of running hard and playing amazing defense.

The wings are an issue with England. If our wings are awful, we should consider playing a 4-4-2 Diamond, which would put Hargreaves in a defensive position, and Gerrard in an attacking one. Or maybe even Lampard. But what I think that what a Diamond midfield would do is reduce the importance of the wings, which definitely has its drawbacks. But until England gets some wings that are capable of having amazing pace and world-class crosses, I am not convinced. Beckham will be important, but as for the other wing, I am utterly confused as to who that will be.

god save the queen

I agree on Ferdinand, he can be woeful at times and can prove very costly. At the same time however, I’m not sure I’ve seen Carragher play as well as he does for Liverpool in an England shirt before. Maybe this is something Capello can turn around? I hope so, because if not then I don’t like the prospect of Lescott and Campbell. Big Sol is OK, I just think he is going to be too slow against some of the quickest and most technical strikers in the world. On the other hand, it’s always good to have an experienced head at the back.

sammy, I agree about the youngsters and also Bridge. Have to disagree on Crouch though. He is one of our best performers without a shadow of a doubt.

I’d quite like to see Dean Ashton given a chance in the England squad too. The training session under McLaren when he got injured was actually all based around him, it was very disappointing for him to be ruled out of his first cap.

to be completely honest tho, england have no hope of winning the world cup again for the next 20 years