England vs Mexico: who would you pick?

England take on Mexico at Wembley this evening in the first of two warm up games ahead of the their opening World Cup fixture against the USA on 12^th June. Fabio Capello has ruled out playing those who featured in last Saturday’s FA Cup final and has indicated that he will use the game as an opportunity to experiment. For those yet to cement their place in the 23 man squad, this could be their make or break moment. So who should Capello pick?

The Italian has said he is contemplating playing Wayne Rooney as a lone striker, as well as trying out the 3-5-2 formation which appears to have come into his plans. In would not be a surprise to see Capello try to experiment with both options in one evening, so expect to see extensive changes made at the half time interval. Based on a starting formation involving Rooney up front by himself, here is The Football’s Blog starting XI for this evening’s game:

Joe Hart – Deserves the chance to prove himself and Capello will want to understand whether he is a credible option as first choice goalkeeper, in a position in which the Italian appears genuinely undecided about.

Jamie Carragher – Eyebrows continued to be raised at the inclusion of the Liverpool defender as the only cover at right back. Needs the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and reacquaint himself with the rigours of an international fixture.

Rio Ferdinand – He is the captain and supposedly an automatic starter, although if it was based on form and consistency this season then he would be nowhere near the team. Needs to prove to Capello he can be relied upon.

Ledley King – Can England really afford to take a centre half who can hardly train and is susceptible to breaking down at any time? This could be the litmus test for King, although Michael Dawson certainly deserves a half.

Leighton Baines – It would appear to be one out of two between Baines and Stephen Warnock to make the final squad, with the Everton man considered the front runner. Could cement his place with a good showing tonight.

Aaron Lennon – Assumed to be Capello’s first choice on the right, although has only just returned from injury and needs to prove it has not had an adverse affect. May only get 45 minutes, with Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips also desperate to prove themselves.

James Milner – In the absence of Gareth Barry, the holding midfielder position needs to be resolved. Milner is almost certain to go to South Africa, but has failed to nail down a position of his own owing to his versatility. This could be his chance.  

Michael Carrick – May be handed Frank Lampard’s role for this evening. The Manchester United man’s position in the 23 is by no means guaranteed, but would do his chances no harm with a decent display in this position tonight.

Steven Gerrard – Should be relieved of duties on the left hand side of midfield and asked to support Rooney up front. Gerrard has had a mediocre season in Liverpool colours and needs to show he still has a key part to play.

Adam Johnson – With Joe Cole being rested, Johnson deserves his chance on the left following the form he showed at Manchester City this season and some apparently impressive training displays with England.

Wayne Rooney – Virtually the whole nation will be hoping and praying that Rooney can come through this encounter unscathed. The lone front man role is one he played for United for much of the season, hopefully he can reproduce in England colours.

Whilst Capello has said he already he is almost certain who will be in his 23-man, there is still much for him to consider. His starting XI and formation are still unclear, so it remains to be seen how much the proposed experimentation will affect his decision. Regardless, he will be hoping for no more injury headaches on a widely criticised Wembley surface which has proved to be slippery and dangerous in recent weeks.

Who would you play in this evening’s game? Do all the fringe players deserve the chance to impress? As ever, let us know your thoughts and enjoy the game.