Fabio Capello's New Selection Policy – Why Now?

In the aftermath of England's miserable exit from the World Cup, manager Fabio Capello sought to appease the fans by making assurances over his future team selections.

He talked of introducing younger players, such as Jack Wilshere and Adam Johnson, along with established players who have yet to be capped, such as Bobby Zamora.

Now the Italian tactician has secured his position as manager, the question remains: why did it take the England team's demise to prompt this change in mindset?

After repeatedly assuring fans of his intent to make selections based on club form rather than past glories, Capello reneged on his pledge.

Instead of going with form, fitness and potential, the England number one opted for experience, caps and seniority.

Particular debate arose, as it has throughout his career, with regard to Emile Heskey's place in the team.

Despite a dismal season for his club team, Aston Villa, and a decidedly poor international goalscoring record – managing a paltry seven goals in 62 appearances – Heskey retained his place.

The former Liverpool striker was not always first-choice at Villa Park this season, making way for John Carew and fellow Englishman, Gabriel Agbonlahor who, although ahead of Heskey in the Villa pecking order, was overlooked for England.

In addition, the likes of Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips struggled to break into their respective teams, due to the form of Florent Malouda and Adam Johnson.

Wright-Phillips' selection over Johnson was a particular point of contention, with the former Middlesborough winger showing the kind of form that had England fans purring at the prospect of finally filling that fabled left-wing slot.

In contrast to England, the likes of Germany and Spain have opted for youthful exuberance over international experience, as evinced by the average age of their squads – 25 and 25.9 respectively – compared to England's antiquated 28.7 – the oldest of the tournament.

The Spaniards and the Germans have been rewarded for their brave selections with semi-final berths. Had England gone in a similar direction, our chances of reaching the latter stages of the competition would surely have been bolstered.

Joe Hart was voted by his fellow professionals as the best goalkeeper in the league last season – ahead of the likes of Petr Cech and Pepe Reina – and yet Robert Green was picked ahead of the Manchester City stopper after an average season for struggling West Ham.

A fellow Hammer, Matthew Upson, who also had a difficult season, was chosen ahead of Tottenham's Player of the Season, Michael Dawson, who was seen as a last resort.

Capello's biggest failure has been his lack of belief in the burgeoning young talent at his disposal. The likes of Hart, Johnson, Theo Walcott and, in particular, the two Jacks – Rodwell and Wilshere – represent the future of the England team.

However, in order for this potential to be realised, these youngsters need exposure on the biggest stage.

If Capello persists with his past selection policy, the result will surely be yet another monumental failure at a major tournament. I, for one, will be watching with baited breath to see that he keeps to his word.