Predicting the England Team to Face Scotland at Wembley

As the 2013-14 football season edges closer to it's long-awaited opening, somewhere in the distance a chorus of cheers transform into jeers as the realisation dawns upon fans that the international friendlies come just three days before.

Needless to say, it's an inconvenience, and the clubs' managers have voiced their dissatisfaction on several occasions over the international calendar. Some will be biting their nails in anticipation of an injury to their star player while the international bosses gain some much-needed time with their players ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. 

Aside from the usual bore of an international friendly, Wednesday is the exception as the public brim with excitement at the prospect of the first match between England and Scotland in almost 14 years, allowing a great footballing and political rivalry between the two countries to resume.

Roy Hodgson will be keen to play down rumours surrounding Wayne Rooney's future and gain a precious win over Gordon Strachan's men, and will be buoyed by their display in the 2-2 draw against Brazil at the Maracana earlier this summer.

But the Scots are unlikely to roll over at Wembley, particularly if they play with the same determination they have shown in the past against the likes of Holland and Italy.

As the game draws closer, we make our predictions on how Hodgson may set up his side to ensure the Three Lions avoid any embarrassment at the hands of their old foes.

Goalkeeper

GK: Joe Hart

The Manchester City goalkeeper has risen to prominence over the past two years, playing an instrumental part in helping the Citizens win the Premier League title just over a year ago, and although he suffered a shortage of confidence last season, the 26-year-old is still regarded as one of the world's best shot-stoppers.

A real presence in his own penalty area, Hart will be looking to keep out the likes of Steven Fletcher as he aims to add to his impressive record of 16 clean sheets in 32 England caps, and Hodgson can count on his No. 1 to put in a solid performance between the sticks.

Defenders

RB: Glen Johnson

Although never considered as a top full-back, Glen Johnson has been a consistent part of the England team since making his debut nearly 10 years ago. With electric pace, good awareness and a seemingly infinite tank of energy, the 28-year-old could make his 50th appearance for his country if selected.

As an advanced full-back, he makes runs overlapping the winger and can be a decent crosser on the right-hand side. It's likely that Hodgson will be looking for him to venture forward and prevent the opposition's left-back from advancing down the flank.

CB: Gary Cahill

Highly-regarded among the England setup, Gary Cahill needs to ensure his current level of performance is maintained as Hodgson continues to ponder his defensive options. With Rio Ferdinand and John Terry out of the fold, it leaves younger defenders such as Phil Jones waiting to break into the side.

But with the Chelsea defender upping his game in the past season, the 27-year-old looks to have solidified his position in the side. A real aerial presence, there aren't many more centre-backs who put the body on the line like Cahill. That said, he can be a vulnerable figure when put under pressure, and the England boss will be observing his efforts closely.

CB: Phil Jagielka

Somewhat a late bloomer in the setup due to Terry and Ferdinand's reputation in the side, Jagielka seems more at home at the heart of the defence. A tough-tackling, old-fashioned centre-half, the Everton captain is hardly ever absent from the side and his consistency will be key for Hodgson.

Of course, he was largely at fault for Fred's goal in the previous game against Brazil, but the 30-year-old will bounce back and can be relied on to keep it tight at the back against poachers such as Fletcher and Toffees teammate Steven Naismith. 

LB: Ashley Cole

For the first time in his England career, Ashley Cole has a real fight to keep his spot in the England team. After making over 100 appearances for his country, it's nothing less than the 32-year-old has deserved, becoming one of the best left-backs the game has ever seen. His pace, dynamism and incredible work rate show why he is so highly-respected within the setup.

But Hodgson knows that a more youthful and resurgent Leighton Baines is beginning to make the selections more of a dilemma, and a slip-up from Cole could see the Everton man steal in ahead. Expect to see the Chelsea man play 45 minutes, with their season opener against Hull City just three days after the game likely to be an influence.

DM: Michael Carrick

He was one of the most underrated players in the Manchester United team until last season. Michael Carrick is hoping to continue the 'dark horse' effect with England under Hodgson. Despite turning 32 in July, the former Tottenham man is starting to show his best form as a deep-lying playmaker, with his accurate passes key to maintaining possession in the middle of the park.

With Gareth Barry out of the national team fold at present, it's up to the Red Devils midfielder to make the spot his own and keep out Frank Lampard, who has adapted into a new position as he enters the final years of his career. 

CM: Steven Gerrard

Hailed as the shining light of the faltering England side, Gerrard finally has the permanent captaincy, although he has largely failed to revel in the limelight. With his extra yard of pace now non-existant, the 33-year-old must now rely on his ability to spray balls out to the wingers and adapt his game to a less attacking role.

Controlling possession is what Hodgson will be looking to get from the Liverpool star. Most importantly, he must not allow Scotland any opportunity to close down and find space for the wingers to run into. His role, as ever, is pivotal to England's success, and he should be looking to influence any attacking move that England create.

CM: Jack Wilshere

Hodgson will be licking his lips as Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere makes his long-awaited return to football after a string of injuries kept him out for 18 months. The 21-year-old has matured very quickly under Arsène Wenger's nurturing wing and with Frank Lampard now taking more of a bit-part role in the squad, Wilshere is the man to replace him.

An intelligent, creative playmaker with superb determination, Wilshere is England's version of Juan Mata. He can unlock space with intricate passes, as well as taking on defenders and chipping in with the odd goal or two. He will be a vital part of the team for years to come providing he stays injury-free. Of course, he is likely to only play 45 minutes due to fears over yet another injury.

RW: Theo Walcott

You'll be surprised to know that Theo Walcott has scored just four goals in an England shirt, and even more so to discover that he's made just 33 caps since making his debut seven years ago. But the 24-year-old is beginning to show why Arsenal broke their wage barrier to keep him at the club.

With electrifying pace and agility, Walcott is easily one of the fastest players in World Football, bar Cristiano Ronaldo and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Perhaps his play in the final third needs work, but he still has a lot to offer his country and will be a dangerous weapon against Scotland.

LW: Danny Welbeck

Although far from prolific, Danny Welbeck offers a lot more than just goals as a support striker. Another quick forward just like Walcott, the Manchester United man tends to float in and around the channels, providing a decent link-up to the main centre-forward and aiming to create space to run into.

Of course, his inclusion may be questioned by critics due to the 22-year-old's total of just two goals in 39 appearances for Manchester United, but Hodgson likes players with a high level of work rate and determination, which happen to be two of Welbeck's best attributes.

ST: Wayne Rooney

The estranged Manchester United striker has not played in preseason due to injury and although questions over his future remain, the quality the 27-year-old possesses has never been put into doubt. His goal against Brazil at the Maracana will be talked about for years to come, and at present, he is the star of Hodgson's side.

After becoming a regular feature in the side for the past 10 years, Rooney has hit 36 goals in 83 games for the national side. Operating more deep as a trequartista, the former Everton forward has the ability to win the game at any moment, and for that, Hodgson knows he holds the key to victory.