Solid display: West Ham's Parker impressed on his return to the international setup

A morale-boosting victory allowed Capello to look at other positives. In particular the progress of Bent as an international player and the fact that England finally have some depth when it comes to their forwards.

Capello went to last summer's World Cup with Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch. Four players who have not exactly been banging the goals in this season. Now, however, he can add Andy Carroll and Bent to that list. As well as Ashley Young, the scorer of England's winning goal from that central attacking position that had been occupied by Rooney.

'Bent has improved and Andy Carroll is new,' said Capello. 'Defoe is just back after injury. Crouch we know very well. Rooney is another one. I have got a lot of forwards, but I hope they will be fit when we have to play.'

Presumably, Capello's desire is to see Rooney joined by Carroll in attack with Walcott and James Milner on the wings. Or possibly Adam Johnson, Young or Aaron Lennon. He has options on the flanks too.

But there is a team that seems to be developing here that might just have the ability to play the fluent, passing football needed to succeed at international level.

Bent's equaliser on Wednesday was the result of a 10-pass move, and Wilshere's presence had much to do with that.
'Without good players it is impossible to introduce a new style,' said Capello. Even if he is not yet sure how best to use him, Wilshere will certainly help make that possible.

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