It will be a first competitive start for Jack Wilshere and almost certainly for Darren Bent, too. Capello wanted to partner Rooney with Andy Carroll at the start of the week but admitted yesterday that the Liverpool striker, having only just returned from injury, is not fit enough to play 90 minutes for England.

'I went to Liverpool to see Andy, directly, personally,' he said. 'And he is not at his top form. I watched the game against Sunderland. He's good and improving. But he's not the same player who played against France. Because he's big, he needs games. But also I think it's good to play with him after half-time. Not to start.'

Capello said he was still considering his options in midfield. Frank Lampard might keep his place based on experience and reputation, not to mention quality, but the right partner for Wilshere is a decision that is clearly troubling the manager.

Wales boss Gary Speed is expected to deploy Aaron Ramsey in front of two more defensive midfielders and that might create the need for a more defensive midfielder in the form of Scott Parker or Gareth Barry.

Capello was slightly dismissive of Parker yesterday, suggesting a player who has so impressed for West Ham this season is 'happy' to be in the squad. But then he made a case for him when he stressed the importance of regaining possession quickly.

'Wales are one team who, when they play at home in a derby, will be really strong,' he said. 'I think that every tackle will be a really, really tough tackle. We must win the ball back quickly. For this reason, the ball possession will be really important.'

There is no better ball winner in the squad than Parker and no midfielder better suited to what promises to be a fiercely contested match, especially with a vociferous Cardiff crowd.

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