Fabio Capello is well aware the trouble past England managers have had trying to get Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard playing in tandem – but it will not stop him starting them in the centre of midfield for the World Cup opener against the USA.
The conundrum of how to get the best from England’s finest two attacking midfielders proved beyond Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren.
Capello discovered the answer, shifting the Liverpool captain to a role on the left which allowed him to drift in.
Yet he looks set to turn the clock back because of the ankle injury to Gareth Barry, a certain starter in the centre of midfield if fit.
‘I know the history,’ said Capello. ‘This is a big question for you always? Can’t play together? Probably both were too young. That was a joke. I hope that they can play together.’
Capello was impressed when the pair played together in the second half of Sunday’s 2-1 friendly win against Japan and the Italian added: ‘Good players can move positions.
'Frank and Steve are used to going forward because they have a holding player alongside them. If they play together, one will have to stay.’
Captain Rio Ferdinand also believes the pair can play alongside each other.
He said: ‘They both did it against Japan. It worked well and we looked very dangerous.’
Capello will receive the latest medical bulletin on Barry this morning.
He expects to be told the Manchester City man will be fit to train immediately after the USA game, meaning he will make his 23-man squad.
The conundrum of how to get the best from England’s finest two attacking midfielders proved beyond Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren.
Capello discovered the answer, shifting the Liverpool captain to a role on the left which allowed him to drift in.
Yet he looks set to turn the clock back because of the ankle injury to Gareth Barry, a certain starter in the centre of midfield if fit.
‘I know the history,’ said Capello. ‘This is a big question for you always? Can’t play together? Probably both were too young. That was a joke. I hope that they can play together.’
Capello was impressed when the pair played together in the second half of Sunday’s 2-1 friendly win against Japan and the Italian added: ‘Good players can move positions.
'Frank and Steve are used to going forward because they have a holding player alongside them. If they play together, one will have to stay.’
Captain Rio Ferdinand also believes the pair can play alongside each other.
He said: ‘They both did it against Japan. It worked well and we looked very dangerous.’
Capello will receive the latest medical bulletin on Barry this morning.
He expects to be told the Manchester City man will be fit to train immediately after the USA game, meaning he will make his 23-man squad.
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