Jon Reeves examines England’s potential

Saturday, 10/10/2009

After a disappointing result and performance in the Ukraine, many England fans will go back to adopting their usual and more comfortable outlook of predicted failure and doom and gloom.

The old doubts about how the Three Lions fair, particularly defensively, amidst a pressure cooker atmosphere remain. But with qualification already secured and two thumping victories still sitting freshly in the memory bank, it’s certainly not time to panic too much. 

A top manager earns his corn when things aren’t going well and the same has to be said about the players. There’s no doubt that in Fabio Capello we have a top manager, who has access to a flickering of world-class players and is building a top international team. 

The Ukraine game was a step backwards and a few questions have been raised regarding how England will line up at the World Cup next summer. The defence looked shaky and without John Terry things could have been much worse. 

Uncertainty remains over Glen Johnson’s defensive abilities at right-back, but a season under Benitez at Liverpool and continued guidance from Capello should help him improve.

Rio Ferdinand grabbed the headlines with his mistake leading to Rob Green’s early red card. The Man United man is struggling for sharpness at present, but will surely be back on his game when he strings a few matches together for his club. 

His niggling injuries are a concern, and with the fragile Ledley King unable to train, it seems unlikely Fabio will find room for both he and Rio on the plane to South Africa.

Midfield options are excellent, with Michael Carrick staking a decent claim for a starting berth and the impending return to first-team action of Owen Hargreaves supplementing the talents of Barry, Lampard and Gerrard. There are plenty of options on either flank, particularly the right, where Walcott, Lennon, Wright-Phillips and Beckham all have something to offer. 

Up front, Wayne Rooney again showed his importance to the team with another tireless, lung-bursting performance. Operating in his favoured front role for Man United this season will only benefit England. 

Wazza works well with Emile Heskey, but whether a man almost allergic to goalscoring playing as a striker is the best option remains to be seen. If it gets the best out of the Rooney then his selection is worthwhile.

The alternatives have their merits. Peter Crouch has a good scoring record for his country, even though many goals have come against weaker sides. The jury is still out on Carlton Cole, though he has the potential to deliver. Jermain Defoe is great coming off from the bench - so keep him there. A fit Michael Owen should not be ignored. 

A front four of Rooney, flanked by Agbonlahor and Walcott with Steven Gerrard in the hole and Lampard as a holding midfielder behind, may be worth a try.

To England fans moaning about the Ukraine performance - just remember how you felt that night at Wembley when Croatia ended to our Euro 2008 hopes. Remember the frustration of watching a team completely capitulating, with its manager looking clueless on how to address the situation. Remember watching other top teams competing at the Euros. 

Under Capello we’ve made it to South Africa with games to spare. Let’s keep the faith and stay positive. 

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