Defoe to start for England?

[Duckman]

What do you reckon?  I don't think he'll start simply because he doesn't bring Rooney into the game as much as Heskey does.  It'll be Rooney/Owen all over again.  At least as an impact sub he can come on and change the game.

So what's the opinions on this nice problem for Capello EFKers?

Peace

Duckman

[Jerry McClean]

I think he'll probably go with Emile as well. Capello clearly sees something in him and has stuck with him for a while. His work rate is always impressive and he makes a real nuisance of himself. And as a tired defender I really wouldn't want Defoe coming off the bench - so I think that might be his plan. I think Cole still has a bit to go before he beats Heskey for a starting line up spot and Capello doesn't really seem to like Crouch.

But as Duckman says, it seems to be all about Rooney. Capello has said he'll likely make Rooney the focal point of the team and Heskey is simply better working with him.

[Cory]

I see cases for both. Heskey is a problem and is arguably the strongest striker in football right now, but Defoe is a scoring machine, and one of the fastest players in football.

I personally would have to try both Rooney/Heskey Rooney/Defoe a few times before World Cup to make a decision. Both players have excellent traits on both sides.

[Ian "Wolfie" Trumps]

I wouldnt mind seeing Peter Crouch start

[Rob]

To be honest I think Defoe works purely as a super sub for England, he's never particularly done very well starting for them, but he's scored 5 goals in 3 games as a sub? Something like that. To be honest I'd like to see Rooney and Crouch start the game. Whilst I hate Crouch, I hate Heskey even more. I don't really value Cole much and Owen won't be back in the picture anytime soon.

Either way you'll all be enjoying the game from your home whilst I'll be there... So if you see anyone throwing rocks and coins at Heskey, you know who it is.

[Duckman]

Heskey really does put the fear of God into defenders though.  Maybe not so much in the Premier League but certainly at international level.  He just couldn't score in a brothel with a tenner hanging out his fly.

Crouch is an interesting one because Rooney can work off him, he's a great out ball and he chips in with goals.  He's technically good with the ball at his feet, but I think Capello doesn't rate him stamina, strength or pace wise and those three elements are obviously massively important to Capello in any team he's managed.

Defoe gets the goals but does he work for the team?  Does he follow the system that Capello wants them to play?

I think the impact sub is something that hasn't been considered much in football because people always talk about needing regular games.  If you're a natural finiser like Defoe, maybe this isn't the case?

In other sports you get specialist impact subs and they can change a game.  I think Capello likes the fact that if the team aren't performing with his first choice, he's got one hell of a player to bring on and change the game completely.

Plus if you consider the team has people like Lennon, SWP, Young, Milner and Becks bombing down the flanks (well not Becks!) and putting in crosses, you want someone who can get on the end of them and perhaps Defoe is just too small for that kind of system?

It'll be interesting to see what he does though and if what he does works!

Peace

Duckman