Who Would You Start If You Were Fabio Capello?

You’re Fabio Capello and it’s the night before one of the biggest games of your career where your name is on the line and you have millions of England fans putting the pressure on you to make the correct decisions.

But who would you start for England against Slovenia tomorrow? And why?

Here’s my starting 11:

————–Hart————–
Johnson — Terry — Dawson — A. Cole
Lennon — Gerrard — Carrick — J. Cole
——–Crouch — Rooney——-

Joe Cole and Peter Crouch deservedly get the start instead of Gareth Barry and Emile Heskey. Cole and Crouch are far more creative up front and Crouch will aid the aerial attacks against the tall Slovenian defenders. In my other changes, Michael Carrick gets the start instead of Frank Lampard. Gerrard and Lampard have proven time and time again that they can’t play well together. And Gerrard can’t be benched since he’s the captain, so Carrick gets the start instead of Lamps. While Carrick hasn’t had the best of seasons at Manchester United, he’s used to playing under pressure. And even if he doesn’t work out, Lampard would be a good substitute to bring on for England.

In goal, I have Joe Hart instead of David James. While I respect James as a goalkeeper, the game against Slovenia will require someone who is skilled at catching crosses and will need England’s best keeper, which is why I’m giving the nod to Hart. In the back line, the big change is bringing on Michael Dawson instead of Matthew Upson. Dawson is exactly the type of player who would excel against Slovenia. He would give 100% and play his heart out for his country. Upson is a good defender, but Dawson is far better in my opinion.

Which England side would you pick to beat Slovenia and make it through to the second round? Click the comments link below to share your opinions.