Why Fabio Capello’s stars need to stay focused against Ukraine

Thinking caps: Fabio Capello can now afford to experiment a little as he looks ahead to next summer
11 April 2012

With England having already booked their place at the World Cup next year, the game against Ukraine tomorrow, broadcast exclusively over the internet, isn't likely to have everyone

A 100 per-cent record from eight qualifying games is impressive but coach Fabio Capello knows there are issues to resolve over the next eight months if the nation are to have a genuine chance of winning football's biggest prize in South Africa.

Their final two games in Group Six against Ukraine and then Belarus on Wednesday may now be considered glorified friendlies, but Capello will
use them to fine tune his World Cupmasterplan.

Nobody is guaranteed a spot under Capello but the core of the side is in place, with captain John Terry certain to be well supported by the influential quartet of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

Gareth Barry has also virtually secured his spot in the first XI for the forseeable future, but that leaves half of the places in the team up for grabs. It means several players will have a lot to fight for even though the team doesn't and here we take a look at the positions which Capello will be particularly keen to scrutinise.

Centre-half

Normally the question over who partners Terry at the back is not a hard one to answer for Rio Ferdinand is clearly the best man for the job and should start whenever fit.

However, he has suffered a series of niggling injuries over the past 12 months which have seen him miss half of England's group games and Capello is under pressure to find another partner for Terry in case his problems flare-up in South Africa. West Ham's Matthew Upson is next in the pecking order and has started seven matches since last October. He has been steady without being particularly impressive and should only be taken as the fourth choice.

Tottenham's Ledley King is ideal to step in for one or two matches next summer and is worth a gamble despite his chronic knee problems, especially as Joleon Lescott has failed to convince in an England shirt. Bolton's Gary Cahill has to be regarded as a real outsider at this stage having only just been called into the squad.

Right-back

Capello believes Glen Johnson is one of the best right-backs in the world but opposition coaches don't appear to agree — the 25-year-old has been targeted as the weak link and was noticeably at fault for the goals conceded in the past three games.

He still merits a role because of the attacking threat he provides, but Capello must look at other candidates in case he wants to be more defensive.

Wes Brown should go as his back-up because of his experience. He has won five Premier League titles with Manchester United after all. Some may argue Gary Neville would be a safer bet, but he is past his best and has had his fair share of injury problems. If King is selected, Capello can't afford to pick the 34-year-old as well.

Right flank

This is one of the areas where Capello's problem is having too much to choose from rather than too little.

In pole position at the moment is Aaron Lennon, who looks like he is finally fulfilling his potential. The manner in which the Tottenham winger frightened Croatia's defence with his pace last time out means he must now get a run of starts so he can become even better by next summer.

There is still a suspicion over the
quality of his crosses, but David Beckham can provide the team with a range of passing few others in the world can match. He will be 35 when he reaches South Africa, yet his experience will provide a massive benefit on and off the pitch.
Shaun Wright-Phillips blew his chance when he failed to impress againstSlovenia and will make way for Theo Walcott, who got Capello's revolution rolling with that hat-trick in Zagreb last year, once the Arsenal star has regained full match fitness.

Target man

Rooney has thrived playing behind a towering frontman, the problem is there will probably be only room for two in the 23-man squad.

The Manchester United striker loves combining with Emile Heskey, but now is the time for change. England need two strikers, not just one, capable of scoring and Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole are more of a threat in front of goal.

Heskey has started just one League game for Aston Villa this season, while Crouch and Cole have already netted five and four times respectively for Tottenham and West Ham. Both possess a good first touch and an ability to hold off defenders. Crouch has proven himself at international level with 16 goals from 34 caps, while Cole is a younger version of Heskey and outshone him as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Holland. Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor can offer something different, but neither fit into Capello's style of play.

Keepers

Robert Green has the nod at the moment, yet David James must get another opportunity. He is back in the squad for the first time in six months following injury and is desperate to regain his place as England No 1. Both will be on the plane with Paul Robinson best suited as third choice.
None of them inspires confidence, but James has a greater presence and England need someone to command the penalty area.

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