We look at England's striking options in light of Rooney's suspension and Bent's injury.
Daniel Sturridge
Of all Chelsea's players it is Sturridge that stands to lose the most should Andre Villas-Boas pay the price for being the only manager in the club's recent history under Roman Abramovich to oversee a win rate below 50 per cent. For all of Fernando Torres' profligacy since swapping red for blue and Didier Drogba's more organic decline it is still a measure of Sturridge's development, and Villas-Boas' faith in him, that few would argue he is now Chelsea's most potent attacking weapon. Sturridge has often said he sees his long-term position as down the middle but a lack of football in a central position for Chelsea goes against him heading into the Euros. For the most part this season, to devastating affect at times, he has been employed wide right in a three-pronged attack. England may well utilise a similar formation themselves, with two defensive midfielders holding behind, but it is unlikely Sturridge would be asked to deputise as the focal point in Rooney's absence unless he accrues greater experience of the role between now and the campaign's close. Nine goals from 20 appearances gives him a minutes-per-goal ratio (171) bettered only by an out of favour Jermain Defoe (115) and Grant Holt (152).
Danny Welbeck
Like Sturridge, Welbeck benefitted greatly from learning his craft at a Premier League club slightly lower down the football ladder last season. While Sturridge was catching the eye at Bolton, Welbeck was doing likewise on-loan at Sunderland. Few would have been surprised had Sir Alex Ferguson sent him out again but after a sparkling pre-season campaign, the Scot decided to give him his head at Old Trafford. Deputising for the injured Javier Hernandez, spring heeled Welbeck developed an immediate understanding with Wayne Rooney. Neither Hernandez nor Dimitar Berbatov have been able to dislodge him since and any future England chief will surely appreciate the benefits of pairing together players who have an appreciation of each other's games. Welbeck can look a little leggy at times but has proven an effective link-man when charged with ploughing a lonely furrow for Manchester United.
Fraizer Cambell
Few would begrudge Sunderland striker Campbell a pick-me-up after a miserable 18 months out with serious injury, but the jury is still out with regards whether he is even close to international class. His long-awaited return to first team action saw him net against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup before doing likewise, with a stunning volley, a week later against Norwich. Less impressive were the blanks he drew in the next four; figures more in keeping with a record that reads six league goals in the previous four years. Stuart Pearce is a major fan of Campbell having worked with the player at Under 21 level but the likelihood is anything less than an impressive debut display against Holland will leave him with a free summer schedule.
