Aaron Lennon vs. Theo Walcott: Who's Better for England?

Following England’s 5-1 victory over Croatia on Wednesday, Three Lions fans can finally rest assured that they have qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  What’s even more significant is that England qualified after winning seven qualifying games out of seven, which included another 4-1 dominant performance over group rivals Croatia last year.

During those two games against Croatia, two young, talented, and potentially deadly speed demons stole the show.

In Zagreb, Theo Walcott put on an unforgettable performance, which saw the young Arsenal winger grab a hat trick.

In England’s most recent victory at Wembley, Aaron Lennon took the game into his own hands by drawing a penalty before assisting the second goal in some fashion.

Such brilliant and inspiring performances on England’s right side of midfield provoke a valid question: Who deserves to start for Fabio Capello’s side in South Africa?

Below is a list comparing their attributes on the field.

Pace: Tie

Both are speed demons and would give any left back a torrid time with their raw pace.

1v1 ability: Advantage, Lennon

Walcott’s pace is more than enough to give a defender nightmares. However, Lennon combines the same amount of raw pace with extraordinary trickery that his Arsenal counterpart has simply yet to acquire.

Finishing: Advantage, Walcott

Although Lennon has improved significantly on his finishing over the past year and is currently in great goal scoring form for Spurs, Walcott seems to be the more natural striker and better finisher.  Again, just look at his performance against Croatia in Zagreb one year ago.

Trickery: Advantage, Lennon

Trickery with the ball is a skill that Lennon clearly excels over his counterpart at.  Walcott is more likely to beat defenders with his raw pace, while Lennon persistently uses trickery to create space for crosses and shots.

Final Ball: Advantage, Walcott

This was a tough one.  Considering Lennon’s recent form, his final ball has improved significantly, but Walcott has a great delivery and is perhaps better at crossing than his counterpart.  Lennon’s pace and trickery allows him to lose his defender easier and get into better crossing positions, but Walcott is known to set up others on a more consistent basis.

Experience: Advantage, Lennon

Lennon has already played in one World Cup, not to mention his almost 200 appearances for Tottenham.  This is truly incredible when you consider he’s still only 22!

Versatility: Advantage, Walcott

Theo is considered by many to be a striker, but he is just as adept to playing on the left side of midfield and, of course, on the right, where he normally excels.  Lennon, on the other hand, is limited to one position and was very unconvincing on the left side of midfield when David Bentley shortly occupied the right midfield role for Spurs last season.

Unfortunately for England, only one of these future world class players can occupy the right side of midfield for the Three Lions.  Lennon’s club form is what provided him with the platform to revive his England career, but when Theo Walcott returns from injury, which player will fit best into Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans, and why?