Do you understand the burden a world cup match puts on a young player?
Ronaldo didn't play a single match for Brazil in 94. They had Romario and Bebeto in top shape, they didn't need him nor depend on him.
I don't really remember Eto'o in 98. But I think Cameroon wasn't depending on him either.
Ashley Cole is fast as hell, that doesn't make him a dependable striker. It takes more than speed. Walcott is unexperienced as hell. He's a decent enough runner I'll give you that, but there's more to being a striker than mere speed!
Walcott hasn't been playing enough matches, he's young and he's raw, as I already stated the way Eriksson treated the matter is shameful at best. ( i.e.)
Thank you for schooling me in Eriksson's tactics. How dare I question their quality! Surely critique is dead and we must all have blind faith in our ruling coaches! Long live the Coach!
Crouch is an above average target man sure, but old man Eriksson is set in his ways, he might surprise us but I doubt it, he'll probably play Crouch as a lone striker. He's not fast enough nor strong enough for that.
Anyway if England's gonna score my money's on one of them mid-fielders or hell, John Terry if Beckham get's the old foot in good shape.
Here's hoping they play Cole in Rooney's place instead.