Quote:
Originally Posted by rubecube
All in all, I think the Defoe/Bent/Heskey debate could be a moot point anyways. I think, based on recent form, that Peter Crouch should be up front with Rooney.
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This obviously isn't about current form, because if it was Carrick stays, Huddlestone goes, etc. Arguably, there weren't many central defenders that were in better form at the end of the season than Sol Campbell, and he wasn't in the reckoning at all. Current form for club is much different than being in form during a tournament like this.
I'm not convinced that Crouch is anything more than a late sub for England. He's definitely not in my starting 11. England have played with one dominant striker and one target man for as long as I can remember. It is probably why Shearer and Owen, the 2 best England strikers at the time, weren't always starting. A guy like Teddy Sheringham provided Shearer with the latitude he needed to poach goals, which he did in abundance. Heskey provides Rooney with the same sort of intangibles.
I'd be in favour of anyone being picked, regardless of club, history or goal-scoring record, if it meant a successful tournament for that side. If Rooney shines with Heskey alongside, then who really cares? If he doesn't then you can guarantee the knives will be out.
Guys like Crouch, Defoe and Bent would be great off the bench as they provide a different style of play from the others. Unfortunately some guys have to miss out.
Capello knows what he's doing better than anyone else around. He'll find something that works. It might not be popular (Heskey) but if they are winning, then who is going to complain?