With the competition for England’s right wing spot really heating up between Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon, the Arsenal winger seems to be the current favourite to be given a starting spot but the question is does he deserve it?
Walcott hasn’t had the greatest of seasons for Arsenal and hasn’t even been a regular starter, Lennon has been injured the majority of 2010 but prior to this was in outstanding form for Tottenham. The two players are fairly even but during England’s game against Mexico on Monday, Lennon coming off the bench arguably did more in that time than Walcott did in the whole game.
Lennon appears to have more ability in using his pace to run past a player and put a cross in, whereas Walcott is more technical and has more of an eye for goal. Also Walcott sticks to the team shape more and tries to pick his moments when to bomb forward, Lennon on the other hand gets forward at every opportunity. Whilst this direct play puts opponents under pressure it does have the capability of backfiring and leaving England exposed.
The expectations of Walcott have been hugely raised thanks to his hat-trick in England’s 4-1 win over Croatia in Zagreb. Since then everyone wants him to replicate that form, but the more and more chances he gets it just seems as though that was a one-off performance. In fact arguably had it not been for those three goals then Walcott would be unlikely to make the final squad. Whilst Lennon hasn’t had as great a performance as Walcott for England in one game, he has been much more consistent over the games he has played for his country.
It’s going to be a tough decision for Fabio Capello as to who he chooses to start; does he go with Walcott and hope that he can replicate his performance against Croatia? Or does he go with Lennon who has been the better player but is also prone to leaving England vulnerable, particularly with Glen Johnson getting forward at every opportunity. It’s pretty much neck and neck between the two as to who will get the number 7 shirt. But in Capello’s eyes it is a good problem to have with two quality players competing for a starting role.
If Walcott can get his confidence back then he could well be capable of being England’s star player at the World Cup because he undoubtedly has that ability inside of him. However if he can’t then he can still be a good player to bring off the bench if England need a fresh face or are chasing a game. Lennon because of his consistency would be the safe and logical bet to start and he is probably who Capello should go with.
Who do you think should be starting on the right for England?
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