England face Croatia on Wednesday needing a draw to guarantee their place in next summer's Euro 2008. They go into the game minus Michael Owen who picked up an injury on Friday in England's 1-0 win away to Austria. Many people think that Peter Crouch is almost certain of a start on Wednesday after scoring England's only goal on Friday, but who should partner him?Jermaine Defoe came on for the injured Owen on Friday and played well. Defoe has struggled to gain a first team place at club side Tottenham this year but people think he has been harshly treated their and deserves a starting place for England.
The other option for England boss Steve McClaren is to play Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith alongside Crouch on Wednesday. Smith is playing in centre midfield for the Magpies but whilst he was at Leeds he was a super striker.
The last option is to play captain Steven Gerrard up front with Crouch. Gerrard has previously played in the England attack and that turned out well with him scoring a goal. Gareth Barry would probably take Gerrard's place in the England midfield and I think McClaren may end up deciding to play Gerrard up front.
What do you think, who will McClaren choose to partner Crouch on Wednesday?
