Capello must front up to England's dearth of quality strikers

Fabio Capello was trying to sound reassuring. Spain, he said, became European champions having arrived from nowhere in terms of international success. It could happen to England, too. Even when asked about the shortage of goalscorers, he remained upbeat. Look around Europe and every country has that problem, he countered. Italy, Germany, France; there was only one exception. You guessed it: he name-checked Spain again. Oh dear.

The finest tacticians have been trying to make the pure goalscorer redundant for years now, but he will not go away. Croatia did not look as potent at the finals of the European Championship because they missed Eduardo. Thierry Henry and Luca Toni were off-form, and so were France and Italy. The absence of a world-class goalscorer is the main reason Portugal have fallen short at big tournaments throughout the past decade. In the same way that the Test team with the finest strike bowlers are usually the best in the world, so the team who score the most goals frequently become champions. Logical, isn’t it?

The Premier League winners have also been the top scorers in ten out of 16 seasons and have outscored the team in second place in 13 of them. Spain won the championship of Europe because a technically outstanding and crafty midfield ran the game and found space, along with David Villa, as defenders were dragged all over by Fernando Torres. Without a world-class striker for the opposition to worry about, it would not have been half as easy.

This is why Capello’s England do have a serious problem, however much the coach tries to sugarcoat it. Without Michael Owen, who is there to fear in England’s front line? Nobody, really. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a seven-minute hat-trick for Aston Villa yesterday, but he has been demoted to the under-21s, and has not played in any of Capello’s build-up games, so it is fair to assume the manager was not impressed with what he witnessed in training. Dean Ashton is injured, but anybody who saw his match against Trinidad & Tobago is incredulous that he was to get a second chance so soon. Wayne Rooney, perhaps, but he is the second striker, the Villa to England’s missing link, their absent Torres.

Against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, Capello will choose a partner for Rooney from Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey and Theo Walcott: and which of that trio is going to take two men out of the game, as Torres did at Euro 2008?

The return of Heskey overlooks that his primary worth to England has been as a foil for Owen. Beyond that, his international record is poor, five goals in 45 matches, and is not going to divert the attention of a defender the way a true match-winner would. Capello talks of others taking the goalscoring responsibility, but once the opposition has identified that the No 8 has a greater chance of winning the game than the No 9, it is not hard to guess their game plan. It is no coincidence that Frank Lampard’s greatest success as a goalscorer for England came when Owen was around to distract defenders, who would then fail to guard against a late-arriving midfield player.

The problem is not Capello’s fault — no more than it was Sven-Göran Eriksson’s that his arrival coincided with a dearth of world-class English goalkeepers — but he may have missed a trick by not using Owen from the start of a match when he had the chance early on. Capello preferred to try other options, but unless he perseveres with Rooney as a lone striker, or can bring a step up in class from Defoe, these do not exist. If Owen is fit for the matches against Andorra and Croatia next month, he could start his first games under the new manager, which is hardly ideal.

Capello says the time for experiments is over, but this England front line is not the finished article. It is still waiting for its defining player and, without him, thoughts of emulating Spain are nothing more than a hopeful manager’s fancy.

DEBATE: WHO WOULD YOU PICK UP FRONT FOR ENGLAND?

Comments

[PsyMan]

I don't think that the 4321 formation is that far off and have been saying so for a few years. We just need to get the personel right. I agree wholeheartedly with Martin's assertions on our striker problem and don't pretend to have a definitve answer but do think that the squad should include Owen, Heskey and one other - preferably mobile and with pace, which suggests Agbonlahor. However, maybe Capello doesn't fancy him yet.
With all this in mind, how about:

Richards, Rio, Terry, A Cole
Gerrard, Hargreaves, Lampard
Rooney, J Cole
Owen

That front line was used before and there movement and inter-play was excellent...

[g scott]

We should adjust to the fact that we dont have world class strikers at the moment and go for a 4-1-4-1 formation with Barry in the single holding role. Midfield four would then be Lampard, Gerrard, Cole and Bentley with the full backs overlapping the wingers when pon attack. Worked for chelsea where everyone claimed Ballack, Lampard and Deco couldn't play in the same team(too alike I believe the comment was)

[Timothy Tanner]

After the England U21 performance, I'll concede Capello was probably right to stick with his current rightbacks. Richards may have got man of the match and James Ducker seemed impressed yet what exactly did he do right? He was superb at set pieces but I doubt the full Czech team will be so easily dominated in the air and credit should also go to Huddlestone for some wonderful deliveries. In open play, he offered little going forward, he struggled to contain Etien Velikonja at times and he was guilty of two bad errors, one resulting in the goal, the other resulting in Noble and Mancienne flying across to make the block. U21 level perhaps is still the level he should be at considering his positioning (which would be unfortunate for Cranie, who has done well as the regular U21 rightback) but I'm still uncomfortable with England's rightbacks.

[Lee]

Ashley Young has got be a choice if not now then very soon, same with theo walcott, we need pace espcially since our midfielders are getting a little older, hargreaves and gerrard middle with J Cole left and aaron lennon right, the defense is an easy one and i think everyone pretty much agrees already with JT, Rio, A Cole and G Neville although Micah Richards is coming on nicely to replace Neville.

[kafka]

Owen has long passed his prime. He no longer strikes fear into the hearts of defenders as he once did.

[Andrew]

As previously mentioned, England lacks true wide players and has a plethora of fantastic midfielders. I would personally field a wingless 4-2-3-1.

----James----
Richards Rio Terry Cole
--Hargreaves Carrick--
Gerrard Lampard Cole
-----Rooney------

[Rob Hillery]

The problem with England is no matter who is in charge, they can't get a balanced team.
The strikeforce and midfield is the main concern. Up front we have Micheal Owen, ok he has a good record at International level but at the major's he has not really delivered. World Cup 06 he was not fit, Euro 04 he scored once, World Cup 02 he got 2 and Euro 2000 I don't remeber him scoring. He doesn't play off the shoulder anymore and was used to alot deeper last season.

Peter Crouch, he hasn't done too bad to be fair. He can change the way in which a team's attacks (ie long-ball, it works) which is why he makes a better sub then a starter.

Jermain Defoem, we all had high hopes for some time ago. I remember a night in Poland when we hoped he could replace Owen as the man who runs in behind but it just hasn't happened. As Martin points out he is no Torres.

Darren Bent, I have hope for him, why pay £16M for him ?He must be good but then I remembered that he was bought by the Tottenham director and not their manager. Still, he could prove himself to be good at Spurs and be one to watch.

Emile Heskey, can't lead the line because he simply can't score. Ok, he makes things happen for his strike partner but that's the job of Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard is it not?

Gabriel Agbonlahor, he is just a maybe. If he was that good, Capello would have given him a chance by now. He is still young and could develop into a good player but in the short term he is not the answer.

Dean Ashton, this guy has the technical ability, can score goals, has great presence but can't get fit. Could be the answer if he is not injuried and I don't think 45minutes on a Caribean Island is the best way to judge him. Could be the answer to our problems IF he can get fit.

Then we have Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora and Carlton Cole who may be Nigerian now I don't know. They are surely not up to playing for Fulham and second fiddle at West Ham.

This leaves Wayne Rooney. The only English striker we could say is in a world class pool. My club Man United don't get the best from him and England must.

[MR David Roberts]

I don't think Agbonlahor has done his claims any harm after his display on Saturday.I think he has pace that would scare any defence and that he has the rawness of a forward who is hungry to make an impact at International level as well.I think a partnership of Rooney and Agbonlahor would win us more games with the threat of goals that would bring to the Team as well.

[Sam]

England's problem for me is that too many of our best players occupy the same position on the pitch. Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney and Joe Cole all like to play "in behind" the main striker. For me England are best suited to a 4-5-1/4-3-3 a la Chelsea under Mourinho. Michael Owen, if fit, must play as he is our only proven scorer against top international sides. Who plays in the Midfield is the million pound, or should I say six million pound a year, question.

[DeeP]

I'd pick :Ashley, Young, Crouch and Agbonlahor in a 433 with Barry, Hargreaves and Gerrard in midfield. Rooney needs to find some lasting form, ditch Owen, Heskey and Andy Johnson altogether. Defoe has never looked capable at international level and it's up to Ashton to prove his fitness. Sturridge aside there's not much talent coming through the U21's unfortunately.

[David Mok]

Since England seems to have loads of central midfield (Gerrard, Lampard, Carrick, Hargreaves, etc) and no established wingers, why not play a wingless 4-3-1-2?

Rooney can play behind Owen + Crouch/Ashton/Defoe.

Ashley Cole and Micah Richards are attacking players providing width.

Give it a go, Fabio!

[Sophie]

I'm not sure people are being very fair to AJ on here. When was he given a chance? The last time I remember seeing him he had about 15 minutes to make an impact being used wide on the right. Time for a recall?

[joe ashton]

who else prefered the shearer-sheringham partnership of the ninties?

[Syed]

What about Agbonlahor? He should be given a chance. Owen and Rooney should be in first XI - Rooney is more of a no.10 playmaker rather than a poacher/goal-scoring machine. Agbonlahor should be the backup and further down the line Defoe and Heskey. We should stick with these 5 and give them a run-in in the squad rather than chopping and changing everytime.

[Bryan]

Same old faces, expect the same old results. Time to bring the young kids onto the World stage and see what they can do - build for the World Cup. We have to get away from the no pace/ can't get past the back/can't tackle/but can pass the ball back and swing a boot at it approach which began with Beckhams later life and is rife with the Bentleys and Downings - although I still prefer Beckham to those two.

[Paul]

There's only two English forwards that I'd consider World Class. That's Owen and Rooney, and the former has had so many injuries in recent years that it's impossible to know if he can still justify that tag.

Last time they were both fit and on form was 2004 and England were looking great until Rooney got injured.

Surely Capello will give Owen a chance as soon as he is 100% fit (if he ever gets there)?

Rooney has to be in the starting line up for England. I know his goal scoring record has wayned (sorry...) but he's among the top 3 players England have.

The rest are yet to prove they're good enough to trouble the top 10 teams, although Crouch's record against lesser opposition should warrant a squad place.

Personally I think Ashton offers the best alternative currently as he is an excellent finisher. He lacks speed but he makes up for it with brains, much like Sheringham was able to do.

Bent, AJ and Defoe have had opportunites, and still haven't delivered even though the opposition wasn't top notch.

[Mike, London]

Play with our future talents - Agbonlahor and Lita

[Martin]

England need a striker like a mix of Drogba, Owen and Berbatov. They also need to be relitivly injury free and work well as a lone striker and with supporting strikers. The striker needs to play in the premiership and be able to score. John Terry should be kept as captain as he plays with much more passion than Ferdinand and he always gives encouragement to the other players but he also isn't afraid to commit to a tackle.

[Tom]

Keeflewis, are you serious?

Green not picked because he plays outside the top 4? Right, so perhaps you can tell me where Scott Carson, Paul Robsinson, David James and Joe Hart were plying their trade?

Any other excuses you'd like to throw out? Like your precious Dean Ashton, Green's had his chance to impress on the international stage, he's just not that good.

[Chris Thorpe]

Does noone remember the Owen-Rooney partnership at Euro 2004?? That is the right partnership. one deep, one scoring.

Of course this does not answer the main question, as Owen is injured. However, I would play Rooney deep, and include Walcott up front where he should rightfully play. Midfield is not Walcott's suited position. But Wenger plays him there as he has no space for him upfront.

[keeflewis]

dearth of english goalkeepers? heard of Robert Green - suppose not, he doesn't play for the 'big four'!

[Timothy Tanner]

Time for experiment is over? While I'm sure the first eleven will get a run out, his squad places seem to be about giving a look at one or two players before the campaign starts. I'm thus somewhat disappointed to see Brown and Glen Johnson given another go while Young hasn't been called up and Richards is in the U21's. Three goals in the entire campaign by Slovenia against a defence that, without Richards, has conceded one own goal in a friendly, I'm sure the U21's could cope without him. Richards could be replaced in U21's by Mattock, superb performances from him and would love to see him start against Portugal, and give them depth at leftback while Richards shows Capello if he can be a solution at rightback.

Sorry for going off topic there. As for the attack, you're right in that we have only one clinical striker at this level, the problem for us is that Owen is often injured and that, as you say, Capello hasn't used him much as yet so how long would it take him to catch up with the others? Having said that, I think England are still quite far behind the ideal at this stage so doubt Owen will be too far behind. I also think we look a better side with him in there, partly I think due to Owen stretching defences with his runs but then again, that could just be a trick of the mind.

The other options, Crouch to be fair to him got five goals in qualifying which was pretty good (though Eduardo got ten points out a difference between top class scorer and Crouch), he is a useful target man and a good player but he isn't a scorer, his headers inside the box are poor and he doesn't always take his chances. Heskey is a similar being, more mobile but gets less goals, links up very well with Owen. Rooney is a support striker, a good one at that however his finishing is far from good at the moment. At Man U this doesn't matter so much as he can drop deep, run at defences then link up with the fullbacks, the wingers, his striker partner, the rest of the midfield, all very good players flooding forward into good positions, inevitably they score. With England, the midfield and fullbacks still seems scared of getting forward and if we have injuries, playing the ball to the likes of SWP is giving the ball to the opposition anyway. Lampard, Gerrard, Joe Cole, the fullbacks, all need to give more options and sometimes a better final ball would help.

Defoe, at this level, needs a couple of chances before he scores. While that was true of Henry for Arsenal, Henry also created a lot for others whereas Defoe does what if he isn't shooting? Smith isn't a striker anymore, Bent needs to make himself a first teamer at Spurs first, AJ looks out of his depth while Ashton needs to stop getting injured and show what he can do, is he just another target man or can he be a scorer for England? Of the regular U21's, Frazier needs time to prove himself, Derbyshire is useless if he can't score (which he couldn't do for his last set of appearances.) Walcott does well up front but is currently an inconsistent winger, while only Capello knows if Agbonlahor is ready. Only two goals for the U21's suggests that perhaps he would be better served in the U21's, creative player and a danger at that level but not a scorer either.

I would revert back to the old school of Owen and Heskey if everyone was fit. Nobody wants us to begin playing long ball again but when we do hit the odd long pass, Heskey can knock it down, can be a danger from Beckham's crosses and allows Owen to do what he does best, score. Until the midfield is more creative, the player gets forward to support the attack more, Rooney's talents may not be suited to the team and between him and Owen, I would prefer Owen at international level.

[Shaheen]

Statistically, Owen and Heskey were the last successful front pairing. No recent duo has done better over several games, with Crouch the closest to being a goal scoring alternative. Rooney scores very few goals for England and doesn't complement Owen effectively, who always does better with a big strike partner. Rationally, therefore, Owen has to lead the line with Heskey or Crouch in support, until viable alternatives are available.

It also makes sense for Gerrard (not Rooney) to play just behind them since they're all former teammates whose game he knows well.