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England lost 3-2 to the Netherlands at Wembley in Stuart Pearce’s first game as caretaker boss with questions being asked as to who should lead the Three Lions forward line?
The obvious answer to that question is Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney alongside Aston Villa forward Darren Bent, however, due to his petulant red-card against Montenegro in October, ‘Wazza’ is suspended for England’s opening two group games, the first of which is on June 11 against France.
It was thus widely assumed that Darren Bent would have stepped in and taken Rooney’s place upfront but the Villa ace fell awkwardly during his sides’ 0-0 draw with Wigan at the weekend and has now been ruled out for up to three months with ruptured ankle ligaments.
So who can fill the void left after two of England’s best forwards need replacing in time for next summer’s championships? The auditions commenced during Wednesday nights 3-2 defeat to World Cup runners-up Holland at Wembley. Building on this, In The Stands have thrown out a few possible names.
Here are the contenders…
Danny Welbeck – the Manchester United forward is in good form, has a keen eye for goal, as well as the strength and hunger to lead the line. The problem is he will not be ‘feared’ by international defenders and was terribly ineffective against Holland.
Daniel Sturridge – Sturridge will help bring some raw pace and dynamism to the England frontline and his ability to beat a man will be much welcomed too. But over 90 minutes he is inconsistent (he is in the game and then out of it more often then not) and is also too one-footed.
Andy Carroll – the big Liverpool striker divides opinion and his lack of goals, in addition to another poor performance during the Carling Cup Final indicates that Carroll is simply not good enough to lead the England line. Pearce may opt for Crouch instead.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – the exciting Arsenal winger/striker is sure to be a future England star and calls for his inclusion grow every week. But will it be too soon a la Theo Walcott in 2006?
Bobby Zamora – Zamora won many plaudits for his form at the backend of last season at Fulham. However, he has yet to replicate his goalscoring panache for new club QPR and will be the first to admit that a place in the England squad come Euro 2012 is more out of ‘hope’ than expectation.
Fraizer Campbell – The Sunderland striker excited many in the U21s although his lack of starts at the Stadium of Light could hinder his chances of being called up for the Euro 2012 squad. Still, he got a runout against Holland and looked energetic.
Jermain Defoe – proven, tested, scores big goals and can also function as a reliable ‘impact’ player from the bench.
Peter Crouch – The problem with the inclusion of Peter Crouch in the England team could mean the return of the Three Lions lumping it long and seeking knock-ons; much like the football they played at World Cup 2006. And that was pitifully bad.
Emile Heskey – Nobody will ever forget the famous Sun headline the day non-goalscoring striker Emile Heskey announced his retirement from international football.
It read: ‘England player retires from national team…don’t worry its only Emile Heskey!’ That says it all. Heskey for England. Errrr…we’ll pass thank you!
Let In The Stands know what you think below…
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