Changes seem inevitable for England, but will it be enough?

It looks like Fabio Capello might finally alter his formation for the crucial game against Slovenia on Wednesday, but is too much emphasis being place on the wrong personnel…

Speculation is abound following England’s woeful performance against Algeria on Friday evening, and general consensus is that the team’s formation is a major problem, with nearly all fans and critics calling for Steven Gerrard to be played off Wayne Rooney, with Joe Cole instated on the left wing.

I agree this would be an improvement on the current set-up, which doesn’t really bring the best out of anyone. Yet I feel far too much focus, as ever, is being placed on Gerrard’s role. The problem is that Gerrard doesn’t actually have a position, and can’t play in any normal formation. His standard role is ‘Liverpool captain’, where he runs around all over the place, doing whatever he likes. That’s great for Liverpool, but doesn’t really cut it for England, especially considering Gerrard has never really performed in an England shirt and has just completed possibly his worse season as a professional.

From my perspective, the three best English performers at club level over the past twelve months have been Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole. The latter, perhaps ironically, causes the least problems, as he excels in a regular left-back slot. No formation worries there. In terms of Rooney, I can understand why we should look to work around him, despite his utterly horrendous performance on Friday and his distasteful lack of respect for the travelling English fans. If I’d forked out thousands of pounds to see that dross, I would have felt entitled to boo. Back to the issue at hand though – Rooney has completed a brilliant campaign as a lone striker, and has openly revealed that is his preferred role. Given his special talent, and the knowledge that the second main forward option is Emile Heskey, it’s understandable that fans want everything done to bring out the best of Rooney.

My final point though is less familiar and perhaps more insolent, but why is Lampard always sacrificed? Why does Lampard have to be constrained to a holding midfield role, just so that Gerrard can run around aimlessly? Lampard has completed a season where he scored 27 goals from midfield and won the Double. He is the most consistent goal scoring central midfielder in Europe and is continually lauded and coveted by managers across the continent, notably Jose Mourinho, and we’d all agree he knows a thing or two about the game.

Lampard is England’s best midfielder. Sorry if that causes offence, but I genuinely believe it’s true. We should be looking to get the very best out of him, just like we do with Rooney. These are England’s two best attacking players. And here’s another thought – both could easily play in their favoured role. Why do England not use a 4-3-3 formation, which nearly all the players operate in for their clubs anyway. Rooney as the central striker, Joe Cole and Aaron Lennon either side, with Lampard given license from his preferred attacking midfield role. Gareth Barry can then hold, with James Milner or Michael Carrick (my preference would be Milner) taking the other central role. The back four stays in place as normal.

I believe that’s our best hope, but of course few will agree as there is no role for Gerrard in that set-up.

Whatever happens, you don’t need me to tell you that Wednesday is make or break for England, and for Fabio Capello. Something has got to give. I know my above proposal has no chance of becoming reality, so I hope the more widely wished-for changes are made. It can’t be any worse that the current offering. It’s the last chance for England to make something of this tournament. They need not only to win, but to win in some sort of style. Risks need to be taken. Passion needs to be shown. Let’s finally have something to get excited about. Let's not go the way of France.