As England prepare for their two World Cup qualifiers over the next few days the rumours suggest that we will be in for the treat of seeing Steve Gerrard and Frank Lampard paired with each other in midfield again.

It is believed that as Joe Cole is out with a foot injury, Capello will ditch the plan of having a holding midfield and instead go for the tried and sadly untrusted pairing of Gerrard and Lampard in central midfield.

Other managers have tried the partnership and have completely failed to get the best out of arguably two of the best midfield players in the world. Nobody really understands why it has never worked but it hasn't.

Maybe Fabio Capello can work out a system whereby both players can be utilised to their best advantage.

Elsewhere in the team, Theo Walcott is expected to retain his place on the right after scoring that brilliant hat-trick against Croatia last month.

Emile Heskey is again expected to partner Wayne Rooney in attack although the recalled Peter Crouch may be another attacking option.