Left-midfield

Who will be Fabio Capello’s left-midfielder for South Africa 2010? WCC has ranked the contenders below.

1. Steven Gerrard’s performances at left-midfield have been convincing enough for him to remain first choice for this position. Gerrard was a perennial underachiever for England before Fabio Capello’s arrival. His talent, which was glaringly apparent for Liverpool, meant that his indifferent international form was generally overlooked. Gerrard often appeared burdened when playing in a central-midfield which lacked the framework to harness his proclivities. A more defined inside-left niche seems to have provided parameters within which he can express his skills more readily. This role also allows him the freedom to move infield to take up central attacking positions and more of a playmaking role.

2. Joe Cole was formerly England’s first choice for the left side of midfield until he was injured early in the qualification campaign. Cole was perhaps the only midfielder to display any attacking guile at the last World Cup. Like Gerrard, he is not a natural left-footer and tends to drift infield from his flank. Cole has played centrally for Chelsea this season, at the vertex of a midfield diamond, and also on the wing in a 4-3-3. Gerrard will probably remain top of the pecking order for left-midfield. If Cole hits top form as the season draws to a close then Capello may be presented with a difficult choice – but time is running out!

3. If Capello requires a natural left-footer then Stewart Downing is the only internationally-experienced option! Downing had often seemed to lack a certain requisite for international level, but he was excellent when playing under Capello in the friendly against Germany. Injury kept Downing out of the reckoning for a while, but he has performed well for Aston Villa since his return. As England’s only established left-footed midfielder, Downing should make the squad this summer. Although he is no slouch, he doesn’t quite have the zip of right-sided options such as Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott.

4. Adam Johnson is another leftie but is uncapped. He’s rapdily become England’s key wildcard for this summer since joining Man City in January. Within a highly competitive squad, he instantly made the first team and has kept players like Shaun Wright-Phillips out of the first XI. Although he is left-footed he is currently playing on the right for his club. He’s an exciting player who can take on a full-back and he should at least make England’s extended squad in May. It’s possible he may have more chance of breaking into the team at right-midfield, but with Gerrard likely to be fulfilling an inside-left role, Capello may prefer to retain a natural right-footer on the other flank.

5. James Milner has progressed to senior international level comfortably and Capello seems to like him. Milner has played at left-midfield for England but has also been stationed at full-back briefly. In the Premier League he has been predominantly used on the right of midfield by Aston Villa, but is now playing in central-midfield to good effect. Milner should make the England squad, but it will be as a versatile squad member rather than as a first-choice left-midfielder. Milner plays with confidence and verve for England and will be an assured back-up if he’s called upon.

6. Ashley Young has been offered a few opportunities for England at left-midfield but has never really asserted his international credentials. He has substantial experience of playing on the left for Aston Villa and is a quick, skilful winger offering good distribution. But his tendency to cut onto his right-foot when stationed on the left could become predictable and thus easily nullifed by a full-back of international quality. At Villa, Young has been switching flanks with Downing since the latter’s return to fitness.