Predicting the England Lineup for the Remaining Euro 2012 Qualifiers
Fabio Capello has not been hugely successful as England manager.
He has guided the Three Lions through an impressive qualification campaign of nine wins and one loss (for the World Cup in 2010), but failed to make an impact at the tournament itself (being beaten and knocked out 4-1 by Germany in the round of 16).
Now he faces a last shot at redemption in the form of Euro 2012.
He started off the qualification campaign with encouraging and comprehensive wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland, but was again bogged down against Montenegro (held to a 0-0 draw).
His unbeaten run (of four games) was then ended in a 1-2 friendly defeat to France at Wembley that was followed with a 1-2 friendly victory away to Denmark.
GK: Joe Hart
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This 24-year old shot-stopper showed great promise on-loan at Birmingham City and was named in the Premier League Team of the Season for 2009-10.
He then followed up on that by becoming England's first-choice keeper after a disappointing World Cup. He also became Manchester City's first choice after knocking Shay Given from his perch.
His place in the team looks assured, albeit with some pressure from Ben Foster (Birmingham City), who should assume a bench role.
RB: Glen Johnson
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He has looked comfortable for his club side, Liverpool, even though he has been forced out to the left by youngster Martin Kelly.
Capello should not look to play Kyle Walker (Johnson's only competition for the right-back slot), due to his lack of experience. This assures Johnson's place in the lineup.
LB: Ashley Cole
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Ashley Cole is one of the best left-backs in the world.
Blessed with crossing and tackling ability, this left-back is a game-changer when in form.
He will receive stiff competition for the spot from Leighton Baines (who has single-handedly steered Everton to eighth in the Premiership).
My prediction is that Capello will show a lack of football ageism and go for his usual choice—meaning Cole should win out over Baines.
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CB: John Terry
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The England skipper should be guaranteed a spot, since he is the captain, after all.
In any case, Terry's defending has been at the heart of Chelsea's revival on the field and their march back up to the top four in the league.
He has shown his leadership skills, tackling skills and fancy clearances this season and should put in a decent shift again on Saturday.
CB: Michael Dawson
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The Spurs centre-back has been a revelation for his club side.
He had a stellar showing in the Champions League, contributing hugely to Spurs' victory in the group stages.
However, he has had ineffectual stints for his country, contributing negatively and giving a poor overall showing in a friendly against Denmark. His serious competition would be Gary Cahill, who I think Capello will ignore because of his lack of experience.
DMC: Scott Parker
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Midfield dynamo Scott Parker has been the shining light for West Ham United this season.
Parker's energetic tackling and astute passing abilities have created victories out of nothing for his club. What's more, he put on a good performance in his substitute appearance against Denmark.
He should play as a more defensively-minded defensive midfielder, as opposed to Jack Wilshire's box-to-box talents.
DMC: Jack Wilshere
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Jack Wilshere's meteoric rise to power has been well-documented in the English media.
From a loan star at Bolton, to matching Xavi and Iniesta—the English teenager has been Arsenal's most consistent performer this season.
Wilshere should play the box-to-box role that Frank Lampard played in the Denmark friendly.
This would be a role that he's comfortable with, as he has Parker playing a role similar to Arsenal's Alexandre Song beside him, as well as Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard or even Young playing like Fabregas in front of him.
CAM: Wayne Rooney
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Rooney has experienced a severe downturn in form of late, but he has been improving every match.
He has scored five times in his last seven games with 11 assists.
Some may see this as incompetence from a flat-out striker, but in reality, he is playing the attacking midfield role for United at present (a role which, in fact, his shooting, passing and high work-rate suits better).
His tracking back, which was derided before, will be glorified in an attacking midfield role.
Finally, an accurate replacement for Gerrard and Lampard has been found, and it is Wayne Rooney.
RAM: Aaron Lennon
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The England winger has been impressive for his club side, Tottenham Hotspur.
He was Man of the Match against Milan (in the Champions League).
His pace and crossing ability make him an ideal choice for this spot. He will face competition from Matt Jarvis.
LAM: Ashley Young
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He scored the winner against Denmark and looked comfortable in the No.10 role.
He has been in spectacular form for Aston Villa, and should not have trouble getting in the starting lineup.
ST: Jermaine Defoe
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The England striker has been eye-catching in his last two outings for England, scoring a hat-trick against Bulgaria.
He also showed well against Wolves for Tottenham Hotspur.
Bench (Possibilities)
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Peter Crouch - The tall man could have a bench role (as an impact sub).
Gary Cahill - Bench Role. Should feature.
Darren Bent - Fights with Peter Crouch and Andy Carroll for a bench spot.
Adam Johnson - Should feature as an impact substitute.
Kyle Walker - Should feature (for experience).
Matt Jarvis - Limited sub appearance (for experience).
Ben Foster - No. 2 goalkeeper.
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