England flew to Minsk for a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Belarus today without half their first-choice defence, and with doubt hanging over Steven Gerrard's place in the team. With John Terry and Ashley Cole sidelined by back and hamstring injuries respectively, Fabio Capello must reshape his back four.
The England coach must also find a solution to the below-par performances of his midfield. Gerrard and Frank Lampard's apparent inability to form an effective partnership in central midfield was again in evidence during Saturday's 5-1 win over Kazakhstan, and the former appears certain to be shunted out to the left on Wednesday evening.
In the longer term, there is a growing body of opinion that says Capello must choose between his top two attacking midfielders, and, on current form, Lampard would be the more popular candidate. Gerrard admits he has not reproduced his Liverpool form on a regular basis for his country, but has appealed to Capello to keep faith in him.
"He (Capello) has spoken to me before each game and told me what he wants me to do," revealed Gerrard. "He's said he wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me. That's what I want. I don't want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.
