Capello’s resignation surprised everyone but will have been particularly interesting news to a handful of players all desperate to secure the last few seats on the plane due for Poland and the Ukraine this summer. David Triggs assesses some of the main candidates.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain The Arsenal winger has burst into life in recent weeks, and his brace against Blackburn only proves his ability. The Southampton product is an extremely good prospect and leaves some England fans drooling at the thought of him pulling on the White shirt of his country. Some people’s problem is that he is too much like Theo Walcott, but the Ox has shown far more maturity and end product than Walcott did when he was 19.
Would I take him? Yes. Just what England need on the flanks of the 4-3-3.
Michael Carrick Came through the ranks at Upton Park alongside Cole and Ferdinand and looked to be an international regular for a decade or more but since his move north in 2006 he has arguably failed to deliver on such high promise and has largely settled into a squad role for both club and country. Carrick is experiencing a season of rejuvenation however and a player who is so comfortable in possession will always be a potential asset to both United and England.
Would I take him? Yes, a useful card to have in the pack for certain games and circumstance.
Craig Dawson A player whose career I’ve watched with interest. Started at non-league side Radcliffe Borough, before moving to Rochdale and then to West Brom. The young Centre-half recently scored a brace for England Under 21’s and has made numerous appearances for West Brom this season in the Premier League.
Would I take him? No, not quite experienced enough yet, but certainly one to watch for the future. However, his namesake Michael Dawson should go in my opinion.
Jordan Henderson The Liverpool centre-midfielder joined from Sunderland in the summer, and he is set for a good career at Anfield. His wide range of passing ability has been on display this season, and looks a great prospect for England.
Would I take him? No, I don’t believe he’s good enough yet, and central midfield is a position we look fairly comfortable in providing Wilshire’s injury-free.
Peter Crouch The Journeyman striker has an excellent record for England, having scored 22 goals in 42 appearances. Currently at Stoke, the enormous front man could possibly be on the plane to Eastern Europe as he would offer England something different upfront.
Would I take him? Yes. As I said, he would give England another option, worth hoofing it up to him late in a game, and would do a better job than any other striker, apart from maybe Grant Holt but he has no experience at international level.
Stewart Downing The former Aston Villa winger had a big money move to Anfield in the summer for £19 Million, and hasn’t pulled any trees up on Merseyside. Downing is a quality player, but unfortunately, he’s not quite ticking at Liverpool yet.
Would I take him? No, He’s been extremely poor this season and I’d rather see Johnson/Lennon playing on the flank in the summer.
Here would be my starting XI for the France game:
Hart
Richards
Jones
Terry
Cole
Parker
Gerrard
Wilshere
Johnson
Sturridge
Rooney
