Mar 31 2009
Peter Crouch, England’s Last Attacking Hope
photo: Agnieszka Mieszczak
England are facing a bit of a crisis ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup Qualifier clash with Ukraine at Wembley, as both Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey have officially pulled out of the squad due injuries suffered during Saturday’s friendly. Both Heskey and Cole pulled up with injuries early into the first half of England’s bout with Slovakia, forcing Capello to go all the way down the list to Peter Crouch, who then late in the match was also injured.
Capello even went so far as to call upon Darren Bent, who then in training today limped off the pitch, leaving Bent unavailable and Capello down yet another attacker.
But somewhat good news is that Peter Crouch should be okay ahead of tomorrow, as Crouch trained for the full session, along with Rio Ferdinand. Meaning England won’t really have a backup striker, but as long as Crouch stays healthy, Wayne Rooney will have at least one target to cross to in his newly evolved freeform attacking role.
Although one change I’d like to see England make is the goalkeeper. David James on paper is more talented than Ben Foster, but in reality and execution, David James is not the guy I would want in goal should England qualify for the World Cup. And that’s due to James’ potential to do stupid things in goal, like chase balls he’s not likely to win, or that he absolutely shouldn’t. That sort of thing can put you out of the finals ridiculously quick.
But Foster is a good solid keeper, full of enough ability to start for England, and he never does the David James characteristic stupid moves. I know Foster doesn’t start for Manchester United, and that makes him look like a bad choice for the International stage, but Foster is the better keeper in the long run, and will give England their best chance at bringing home the ultimate trophy come 2010.
