London: Fabio Capello is considering a radical change to his plans for the World Cup that will see Wayne Rooney play as a lone striker with two flying wingers in Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott.
The system is still very much in the experimental stage. But in training in Irdning yesterday Lennon was deployed down the left side and asked to deliver cross after cross.
Not convinced by Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent or Jermain Defoe as a second striker, Capello is exploring the idea of playing Steven Gerrard in much the same role he occupies when supporting Fernando Torres for Liverpool.
Frank Lampard and a further midfielder ideally Gareth Barry but probably James Milner or Ledley King — would then sit in central midfield.
Impressive season
The England manager has been reluctant to select Rooney up front on his own, but his view has changed after the striker's impressive season in that role for Manchester United.
Such an ambitious formation, which relies on pace and getting the ball forward quickly, would demand a more defensively-minded back four, and explain why members of the squad believe their Italian leader is leaning more towards Jamie Carragher than Glen Johnson at right back.
With flying wingers, Capello does not need flying full backs. Ashley Cole and Carragher would be told to be more disciplined beside the centre halves.
England's friendly against Mexico at Wembley on Monday is sold out, and the crowd will include 1,000 troops, who will be applauded before the game by players and fans.
The team then head back to Austria, where they play Japan next, their last game before the World Cup.
