Why Jamo and Defoe must start for England, with Ledley in the squad, plus why Chelsea must keep Joe Cole

By Mark Lawrenson

Published 06:01 06/03/10

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Fabio Capello has big decisions to make before he names his 23 man England World Cup squad.

David James should be England’s number one. Yes, he makes mistakes but he has the experience to put them beghind him and also has the big match experience.

James, for me, is still the best England keeper and should go as first choice ahead of West Ham’s Robert Green.

Ledley King would also get in my squad - but only if Rio Ferdinand makes it. There are still major doubts about his fitness, and you can’t take too many risks on injury prone players.

But my theory is that if Rio is not going, you can’t risk another injury prone player in the squad while if Rio is going and fit then Ledley goes as back-up as he is head and shoulders ahead of the rest.

Outside of Ferdinand and John Terry, England do not have great strength in depth. Matt Upson looked shaky the other night.

Jermain Defoe did not look great against Egypt but, rather like Theo Walcott, he played almost as if he were on trial at Wembley and looked as if the pressure got to him.

If Defoe knew he were going and starting, he would relax more and do much better alongside Wayne Rooney up front.

This would be my starting XI in the World Cup: James; Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole; Lennon, Barry, Lampard, Gerrard; Rooney, Defoe.

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Joe Cole is a smashing player and if he leaves Chelsea then there will be no shortage of takers.

Cole also has time to get to the World Cup and would be in my squad.

But Cole is worth his weight in gold, could earn a lot on a free transfer and yet I still think Chelsea will be able to keep him if they recognise that he’s a top player, deserves a top contract and should be up there with their top stars.

Interview: John Cross

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