Sturridge, Rodwell And Walker Ready For England Starts Against Sweden
England proved they can still cut it at the top level on Saturday evening when beating Spain, no one expected England to dominate posession so the way the game panned out was no surprise and it is the result that counts against teams such as Spain. England need to prove that they can also win easier games comfortably, which is just as important a skill, and Sweden represent decent but very beatable opposition at Wembley on Wednesday. Sweden are 80/1 to win Euro 2012 whilst England are best odds 12/1 so judging by those odds England need to be able to win this match.
Phil Jagielka, who impressed in defence against Spain on Saturday, has returned to Everton after playing that match with a broken toe. The FA have stressed that it was a pre-existing condition and was not aggrevated during the match. Lescott will also make way for the match against Sweden so that John Terry, who will captain the side, and Gary Cahill, can play in central defence. Scott Carson could make his first start in three years whilst there will be full England debuts for Jack Rodwell, Kyle Walker and Daniel Sturridge. The Chelsea forward will partner Booby Zamora in attack for England. Sweden may not be in the same class as England but they have some very talented players, the best of which should be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the enigmatic striker, currently plying his trade at AC Milan, was a £15m signing for Juventus and their then manager Fabio Capello back in 2004.
England are certainly no banker this week against Sweden despite beating Spain, it will be a very different England side that takes to the field on Tuesday night and although many players will be doubling their usual efforts in order to impress Fabio Capello and to try to earn a place at Euro 2012 there is no guarantee that they will perform to their best. Having said that the players who will be representing England largely have a good level of experience and should be capable of beating Sweden and the odds on an England win certainly take into account the fact that England won't be at full strength.