Hodgson may regret forgetting Carroll

The general theme behind Roy Hodgson’s selection dilemma was youth versus experience, with a number of talented youngsters proving their capabilities in the Premier League this season. Although, none of the decisions mirrored some of the shocks that have gone before, most notably the inclusion of seventeen year old Theo Walcott in the 2006 squad, Hodgson made the brave call to omit experienced Ashley Cole, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Jermaine Defoe, in place of the youthfulness of the likes of Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling – all twenty years old or younger.

However, for me, the most intriguing decision Hodgson had to make was his selection of strikers. With Daniel Sturridge’s form this year nailing him into the starting eleven alongside the talismanic Wayne Rooney, England look strong on paper to be able to convert chances into goals. However, behind these two there’s a real lack of depth with international class forwards, with the injury to Southampton’s in form Jay Rodriguez a significant blow.

Hodgson’s final attacking decision was essentially between Rickie Lambert and Andy Carroll.

It was widely recognised that Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck would be selected; he has been an England regular under Hodgson and is capable of playing on the wing, a tool that may be exploited if injuries take their toll in Brazil. So who should Hodgson select as his final attacking option? Although their were echoes of opinion in favour of the experienced Defoe or the in form Connor Wickham, his decision was essentially between Rickie Lambert and Andy Carroll.

Hodgson ultimately chose Lambert, who from all angles would be considered the safe bet. With 13 goals this season, Lambert was an integral part of a very successful Southampton team that have been rewarded by Hodgson, with his teammates Shaw and Adam Lallana also selected. Lambert does offer an aerial threat, as well as being lethal from set-pieces, especially penalties, which as England fans know all too well can be a crucial part of a World Cup campaign.

Hodgson opted instead for Lambert in England’s aimless attacking big man position. Photo: BBC.

Therefore, my doubts regarding Lambert is not his ability, but rather his role as part of the England squad. With Sturridge and Rooney nailed on as starters, and with the lively Welbeck likely to provide more of an impact off the bench, Lambert’s role seems limited. In comparison, his main competitor for his seat on the plane, Andy Carroll, would provide the perfect foil for England’s frontline attackers, as his presence as a top class ‘big man’ could vary the style of play when chasing a game, something that could well occur against the extremely well organised Italians or the dangerous Uruguayans.

The West Ham striker has had an extremely frustrating season plagued by injuries, and Carroll was limited to just two goals in fifteen league appearances. However, his contribution for the Hammers has been significantly more than just his two goals; their season was revived by his return and he successfully brought the best out of his teammates, most notably Kevin Nolan and Stewart Downing. Although he’s not a natural goal scorer, his heading ability is second to none, as across the course of the season Carroll won more aerial duels per game than any player in Europe’s top five leagues. With this type of threat unusual to a lot of foreign defences, Carroll would make the perfect impact substitute.

If England want to win, they may need to learn to win ugly, and the best component of that art will not be in Brazil

However, his lack of goals is not the only concern. Having missed half the season he would be a risk based on his fitness, although this could work in his favour. At 25 years old he is in prime condition and having not had a long pre-season followed by a gruelling season he is fresh, perhaps more so that Lambert, who at 32 may be struggling after appearing in all but two of Southampton’s league games. Furthermore, questions about his temperament earlier on in his career, highlighted again by his sending off this season for a confrontation with Swansea’s Chico Flores, have largely settled down, and his days of being arrested in nightclub brawls seem far behind him.

In general, I think Roy Hodgson has made largely the correct squad selection, but his failure to include Carroll may be a costly blow to England’s chances of progressing deep into the competition. There is no doubting that Rickie Lambert is a better all-round player, and on the season he has had is more deserving of his place. However, Carroll has shown that he can make a difference, as was seen by his brilliant header in the 3-2 victory over Sweden in the European Championships two years ago. If England want to win, they may need to learn to win ugly, and the best component of that art will not be in Brazil.