England’s time for change

Wednesday, 30/03/2011

The victory over Wales and the draw against Ghana should have proved to Fabio Capello that it's time for changes.

Some of his old guard need to be shunted into the wings and the new, younger challengers need to be given more chances and more experience for England.

I'd be surprised if there are any fans who now doubt the abilities of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere. His place in the centre of midfield should now be permanent. His parth to potential captain is getting shorter every week.

Who should be there with him? It's easy to go with Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard – but it would be hard to argue against Scott Parker's case following his performances for West Ham this season and his approach to the game in Cardiff.

Wilshere is growing in stature all of the time and Parker has rarely let down any of his club sides. These are two determined players, would-be winners who always appear to get stuck into their jobs. Lampard and Gerrard together has never really worked. One or the other with a different player, yes. Together, no.

Gary Cahill is another who did no harm to his case for a regular place at the back. The Bolton man looked a little shaky at times against Ghana, but remember he lacks experience at this level and was facing one of the form sides in the world who certainly didn't treat this game like a normal friendly. With Chris Smalling also rising rapidly at Manchester United, England have two good and young centre halves pushing John Terry and Rio Ferdinand all the way.

Andy Carroll still hasn't scored for Liverpool but his first senior goal for England, against Ghana, should give him a boost. He looked rusty and fans' criticism of him is that sometimes he doesn't work hard enough, doesn't chase the ball. He needs to do that, and do it quickly. He is a natural goalscorer but Capello won't stand for anyone who shirks from the task.

Matt Jarvis didn't get enough of a chance to prove his value but the Wolves winger at least got a short taste of action. Joe Hart increased his stature once again and Leighton Baines showed that England have good competition for the left back spot.

England - as always - have the potential. Can Capello gel it all together for Euro 2012 before he departs? Or are the Lions going to have to wait to see if his successor is the man to finally end 45-plus years of hurt?

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