Changes work out for England

Fabio Capello’s England side defeated Hungary 2-1 at Wembley, eventually anyway.

The team seem to have a better balance and Capello switched from his rigid 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 depending on how you looked at it.

Wingers

England may have won the World Cup in 1966 with no wingers but in the modern game wingers are necessary.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott had been left out of the World Cup squad but showed in glimpses against Hungary that he is capable of taking on a player and delivering a decent cross.

On the opposite flank was Manchester City’s Adam Johnson. Like Walcott he also missed out on the England World Cup squad and is an out and out winger. Johnson has really impressed me since his move from Middlesbrough and improved his chances of making Capello’s next starting eleven with a good performance.

He has the ability, balance and willingness to run at opponents that’s rare for a player in the England squad. He is the sort of player that excites supporters and every time he touched the ball last night he had the crowd off their seats.

Although not exactly a newcomer another player with the ability to excite fans is Aston Villa winger Ashley Young. He has electric pace and is hard to stop on his day.

He also has the ability to put in a good cross. However his displays at club level in recent years have been inconsistent and at 25 he needs to start playing well consistently to stay in the squad. I like all three players and believe they should be in the squad to face Bulgaria on 3^rd September. They all did enough to be given another chance.

Defenders

Everton centre-back Phil Jagielka was solid enough and was rather unfortunate to score an own goal. His overall performance against the Hungarians will be enough for him to be included in the squad for the Bulgaria game. He has the ability to read the game well and that is crucial at international level.

Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson replaced John Terry at half-time and was probably at fault for the Hungarian goal. He did look a bit nervous but has been solid enough for Tottenham recently to prove he is worth another try at international level.

Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs was probably the most impressive debutant on the night. The 20 year-old replaced Chelsea star Ashley Cole at half-time and was outstanding raiding forward at every opportunity and solid in defence.

He seems to be Cole’s long-term replacement and this season could be a big one with Arsenal after injury setbacks last season. If he can claim the left-back spot on a regular basis at club level then he could be a regular in the England squad.

Youngster

Gibbs club mate Jack Wilshere came on as a substitute but hardly had a chance to impress. However at 18 years old he is one of the brightest young English talents. He will have more chances to impress in the coming months and years and no doubt he will become an England regular of the future.

Holdup

Fulham debutant Bobby Zamora came on as a substitute and I thought he held the ball up really well. In my opinion he is an improvement on Emile Heskey, as he carries more of a goal threat as well being a target man.

At his new boss at Fulham Mark Hughes could really help him develop his game and turn him into an even better finisher. He’s definitely worth another chance for the Three Lions.

Slight Progress

This game showed that Fabio Capello is capable of changing his old habits. He knows that this summer’s World Cup performance was unacceptable and he needs to change his mind set.

He also knows that personnel changes are needed and last night’s newcomers certainly gave the Italian something to think about for the European Championship qualifiers. Maybe England can now move on from this summer’s debacle and start building for Euro 2012.