As tonight’s Euro 2012 Group D Match between England against Sweden looms, Roy Hodgson looks set to give Andy Carroll his International Tournament bow.
With an impressive defensive display against the French in the opening game, Roy Hodgson seems set to head into tonight’s game against Sweden with more of an attacking mindset in place by partnering Manchester Untied youngster Danny Welbeck with Liverpool front man Andy Carroll.
This would be the first time the England boss has started a game with two strikers as he has so far preferred a 4-4-1-1 formation with Manchester United’s Ashley Young filling the gap behind a striker, a formation that has helped the coach get his team working and defending as a team. Now that Hodgson seems happy with the teamwork and work rate his players have shown, he looks to be starting his work on getting the team to go forward.
With a change in formation comes a change in personnel with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to make way for Carroll, who although struggled in his first season at Liverpool after his £35m move from Newcastle, has found form towards the end of the season and has looked impressive in recent weeks.
In other team news, Glen Johnson is still taking antibiotics due to a toe infection but should start in the right back position and Scott Parker and Captain Steven Gerrard have overcome niggles to retain their midfield partnership. Martin Kelly who has been suffering from a virus seems unlikely to be on the bench and Wayne Rooney will have to spectate due to his suspension, but will be a favourite to start the final group game against Ukraine.
Sweden Boss Erik Hamren has made three changes to his team who lost 2-1 to the Ukraine in their opening game and former Bolton forward Johan Elmander returns to the starting line up.