With the Premier League barely a couple of days old Fabio Capello faces his first international fixture of the season, and his last friendly outing before next month’s World Cup qualifiers – where he’ll really earn, or waste, his wages.

The hot topic going into the Wembley fixture on Wednesday night surrounds his choice of strikers. Despite a great pre-season for Darren Bent and a big money move for Peter Crouch both have been left out of the side, which many see as an indication of Capello’s first choice for the qualifiers ahead.

It’s Emile Heskey who is the shock inclusion. What he lacks in goalscoring form, he more than makes up for in being there at the right time. Remember, he got himself on the scoresheet against the Germans in that famous 5-1 victory. And in the Euro 2008 qualifiers he hit some form at just the right time. Infact, only injury ruled him out of the important final few games. Who knows, had he played maybe England would’ve had a more interesting summer schedule.

The other topic of discussion is based around the captaincy role. Capello is due to name his permanent leader ahead of the friendly with the Czechs. Those in the know suggest it’s a clear cut contest between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. It could be argued that Ferdinand has the mental toughness and recent accolades to warrant the role, but does the Italian risk upsetting the cart in what has been a disappointing year for Terry so far?

Back to the task in hand though – Capello will be looking for a win on Wednesday night. He’s done his experimenting, has had a look at the players he deems suitable for the starting eleven and is now raring to go in the build up to World Cup 2010.


.Czech Republic should provide good competition, they are ranked eighth in the world after all. There’s no doubting their skill on the pitch, and their threat in front of goal, but Capello will be well aware of their defensive frailties, as highlighted at the Euro championships. Ever-dependable goalkeeper Petr Cech has had a few howlers in recent months, star player Tomas Rosicky is still crocked and main striker Jan Koller has now retired, so an England victory is expected.

Wayne Rooney will be looking to get back on track after only managing five goals in three years for his country, largely due to injury. Who starts alongside him remains unclear. Jermain Defoe has pace but lacks that killer touch at the top level. Theo Walcott has skill but inexperience. Emile Heskey plays best in a supporting role – perhaps too similar to Rooney.

Capello could choose to try the 4-3-3 formation with Walcott and Joe Cole supporting the Man Utd man – it worked very well for Chelsea at the weekend after all. David Bentley will be snapping at his chance to earn a first England goal though, and judging by his pre-season form it’d be foolish to not utilize his ever-improving output.

Prediction: A morale-boosting win for England
 

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