Defoe to partner Rooney in attack for England; Walcott set for start

03 September 2010 11:45
England manager Fabio Capello has revealed Jermain Defoe will play alongside Wayne Rooney in tonight's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley.

The Italian also confirmed Steven Gerrard will be deployed in central midfield, ahead of James Milner and Gareth Barry in deeper roles.

Milner and Barry will be asked to shield the back four, which looks likely to consist of Phil Jagielka and Matthew Upson in the middle, with Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole on the flanks.

- Joe Strange on Arteta / Will Tidey on England v Bulgaria / Follow it LIVE from 8pm / Bulgaria guide

With Joe Hart confirmed as England's number one, the only position up for grabs looks to be a wide berth on the right - with Theo Walcott the favourite to be given the nod.

Walcott has started the season superbly with Arsenal, scoring four times in his last two games, and should have no lack of motivation after being left out of Capello's World Cup squad.

Adam Johnson is also in contention, but the Manchester City winger is a naturally left-sided player and may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Source: DSG