SIR GEOFF HURST believes England could have the most lethal strike partnership at the World Cup should Fabio Capello decide to pair Wayne Rooney with Steven Gerrard in attack in South Africa.
Having decided on his final squad yesterday, manager Capello now has nine days to decide on his starting XI before England take on the USA in Phokeng on June 12.
For the majority of his time in charge, the Italian has chosen to adopt a 4-4-2 formation with Rooney being partnered by a targetman usually in the shape of either Emile Heskey or Peter Crouch.
Capello has tinkered with his formation at times though by choosing to employ a 4-5-1 formation with an attacking midfielder positioned just behind Manchester United striker Rooney.
Gerrard is familiar with that role having played there all season supporting the Reds talisman Fernando Torres, making him an ideal candidate for the role at international level according to 1966 World Cup hero Hurst.
“I am convinced that 4-5-1 is the formation he should play,” he said.
“I think that our best combination up front to compete with the best would be Rooney and Gerrard – they would arguably be the best partnership in world football.
“Wayne has played well on his own up front. If you had asked me two years ago then I would’ve told you he wouldn’t be able to do it. He has had a magnificent season though and for a lot of the games he has played up front alone in that system.
“I think Steven Gerrard’s best position is where he plays for Liverpool – just off Fernando Torres.
“He and Wayne already have a tremendous working relationship. I’ve seen that when they play for England. They haven’t played too many games up front together but when they have there have been instances where they have shown a good understanding and together I think they can be a very dangerous pairing, certainly towards the latter part of the tournament.”
Fears about Rooney’s participation in the tournament were raised when the Manchester United striker picked up ankle and groin injuries towards the end of the Barclays Premier League season.
United’s top scorer has also struggled with his form for England recently, failing to find the net in his last six internationals.
