Capello hints at Lennon selection

The 22 year-old impressed during his second half display in England’s 2-1 win over Slovenia on Saturday, and Capello made it clear that England need pace on the counter-attack.

“When it is possible to play on the counter-attack we have to play very quickly," he said.

"The possession of the ball is very important. Lennon is another good young player. I have to choose between three players, one of whom will be on the pitch.”

With Shaun Wright-Phillips unconvincing at the weekend, Lennon appears to be the obvious choice.

The Spurs man also fits perfectly with the aggressive tactics lined up for a game that could see the Three Lions book their place in the World Cup finals with a win against Slaven Bilic's side.

He could also provide England with a useful alternative to Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, who scored a hat-trick the last time the two sides met in Zagreb, should the hectic playing schedule take it’s toll on the injury prone 20-year old.

Capello noted his frustration at his players’ questionable display against Slovenia.

“I am angry when they don’t do what we prepared in training,” he said, which was taken as more of a nod to Wright-Phillips’ poor synchronisation with Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson.

“I am sure he’s one of the best right-backs in the world. I’m happy with him. He will play a really good game, he really will.”

Capello also hinted that David Beckham could be handed his 114th cap from the bench.

“Modern football is about playing the ball, not only long balls. David is one of the players I pick in my squad. He is a good player. Sometimes I choose him, sometimes he has to stay on the bench," he said.

Beckham remains firmly in contention for a seat on the plane to South Africa, despite watching the last qualifier from the bench for the first time in his 13-year international career.