World Cup scouting: left midfield

Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2010 by BBC.com

THE CONTENDERS
World Cup scouting: left midfield Before Capello decided to play Gerrard on the left, it was very much a position that Chelsea's Joe Cole had made his own.

In fact, going back to the last World Cup in Germany, you could argue he was one of England best players. But his selection, along with anyone else's, all depends on the system Capello uses.

Cole, of course, has had to come back from a serious knee injury over the last year and he has struggled to hold down a place in Chelsea's starting XI. That is a pretty tough task anyway because manager Carlo Ancelotti has such a strong squad.

In order to be considered, Capello has said that Cole needs to be playing regularly - and Cole's cause was not exactly helped on Saturday when, with the Italian in the stands, he was taken off at half-time during Chelsea's defeat to Spurs.

Aston Villa's Stewart Downing is among the other names in the frame.

He has been in the last few England squads but I think it's fair to say he has not really stamped his authority on the team when he has had a chance.

The 25-year-old made his big move from Middlesbrough last summer, albeit when he had a foot injury, so he has done well to get fit again and showed some good form earlier this season. When he has been in an England shirt, however, you probably haven't seen the best of him.

His Villa team-mate Ashley Young is another option. Capello, who saw him in action during Villa's 2-1 win over Portsmouth on Sunday, will know he can play down the middle or on the right in addition to his usual position on the left.

Young has had a very good season for Villa and is very quick, so I think he offers something different to the other two. With Gerrard sure to start, that might be something that affects Capello's thinking when he names his substitutes.

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