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England are short on top quality strikers. Wayne Rooney is still nursing an ankle injury. Jermain Defoe and Bobby Zamora are long term absentee’s this season, and with Darren Bent missing for a few weeks as well, the main England strike force has been depleted. Who does it leave? Pretty much Peter Crouch in the squad as a senior striker with experience. So, with Capello having to dip down into England’s second tier to find quality to fill out the squad, where really does that leave the future of England’s strikers? England don’t play competitively until March when they face Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff, so they should be at fuller strength there. While Agbonlahor, Bothroyd and Carroll make interesting propositions for England’s future, they are of course relatively untested at full international level. Newcastle’s Carroll has been knocking on the door of the England squad, after hitting seven goals in the Premier League this year, and currently being the league’s top scorer along with team mate Kevin Nolan. The likelihood is that the big striker will actually start against France in the friendly, as Agbonlahor is still working his way back to full fitness. Sunderland’s Henderson has been impressive for the Black Cats, and is part of the reason why they have taken a much better step towards consistency. A product of the Under 21 side, his name has been touted around as being a great prospect for the future in the England midfield. He could deservedly make his debut.
There is actually an exciting look about England to some degree, particularly in the midfield. While Frank Lampard is still out injured, the attacking threats from Manchester City’s Adam Johnson and James Milner, along with Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere, accompanied by Aston Villa’s Ashley Young looking quite promising and hints at a good future in that department. As for the England defence that will be on show for the England v France match, there is a little uncertainty. For a match which has no meaning, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson may be hoping that Capello leaves Ashley Cole, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand on the bench. It is quite a senior looking back line, but the surprise call up of United’s Chris Smalling, who hasn’t really made any impact at Old Trafford since his move in the summer, could hint at Capello experimenting there too. With Micah Richards, Kieran Gibbs and Joleon Lescott in the defensive corps, it could be a different looking England defence as well, perhaps even just for the second half. Capello may even take a look at Blackburn’s Jones in the back line at some point, as his rise and rise continues to unexpected levels. But up front is the area which will come under the most scrutiny of all. This is a good chance for Capello to really see what options he has beneath the established names. England need to know that they can call on depth up front when the main few fall out of form, or fall foul of injury like they have done. With nothing but pride on the line in the match against France, it makes the perfect opportunity to blood some fledglings.
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