Nothing is simple when it comes to the English national side. You find a good strike partnership, and one of them breaks his foot. You seem to sort out the midfield, but in reality it was only a forced change, leaving the manager with a decision to make in the most important two positions on the park.


Steven Gerrard has hit a rough patch the last few games, whereas Frank Lampard is only just returning to fitness and is bound to be a bit ring rusty.

These circumstances make a good case for Gareth Barry. The Aston Villa star has what the other two don't in match fitness and a natural left foot. Barry and Gerrard for the first half of the Estonia game seems a sensible option. If Gerrard has another quiet one like he has for Liverpool recently then he can be replaced by Lampard, who will get some game time and sharpness at home against (hopefully) inferior opposition.

'Gareth Barry has what Gerrard and Lampard don't have - a natural left foot'


Alternatively, McClaren could opt for Barry and Lampard for the first half, and see if that partnership bears any fruit. If Lamps starts blowing out of his hoop or just doesn't inspire, there is always the option of Gerrard on the bench.

Playing Gerrard and Lampard is not really an option open to the England manager as the two players have failed to convince time and time again. The only other alternative to this midfield menage-a-trois is to play all three, which I think is less likely than a Gerrard/Lampard combo.

Who would you like to see in the England midfield? post a comment below or submit an article to Sportingo.