Capable: Welbeck has already impressed in action for the Three Lions

As Pearce said last week, England are where they are and it is his job to try to make the most of this match against the World Cup runners-up, even if he should have included more senior defenders, like Joleon Lescott.

Welbeck is the one Pearce needs to focus on, even if it would be  interesting to see Sturridge make an impact as well, perhaps out wide as a second-half replacement for the in-form Theo Walcott.

James Milner, a midfielder Pearce believes is potential captaincy material, yesterday expressed a view probably shared by a number of players in commenting on the loss of Capello.

‘It’s not ideal timing changing manager going into a major  tournament,’ he said. ‘But as players we can’t control that. All we can control is how we play and hopefully do as well as we can.’

« Previous1234Next »