Can Sven show any tactical nous?

Probably not.

With it looking increasingly likely over the weekend that Wayne Rooney will not be fit in time for the FIFA World Cup after breaking his metatarsal against Chelsea, and the wailing of England fans subsiding as the news sinks in, thoughts must now turn to how England can re-jig the starting 11 to the maximum effect.

We'll never be able to re-jig it enough to compensate for the loss of the unique Rooney, but Sven must show that he has some tactical ability as a manager to create a formation that brings out the best in the rest of the team.

First of all, it must be said that the England starting line-up (Even without Rooney) are a very strong outfit individually. Starting at the back, Paul Robinson is a solid, effective keeper and in a cup tournament that ability not to make calamitous mistakes is a distinct advantage. The starting back-line is very strong, with Cole one of the best left-backs in the world and Neville an extremely effective and experienced head on the right. The centre-back positions are an area where England have true strength ion depth. Terry is a certainty and an excellent, resolute defender who will fling himself at any ball or boot for the cause. Ferdinand, his probable partner, is renowned for being a classy defender while Campbell has been Englands most consistently excellent player at major tournaments.

In midfield, Gerrard is simply one of the best midfielders in the world, Lampard was voted second best player in the world and both have the ability to score regularly from midfield. Beckham on the right owes England a big tournament and Joe Cole on the left will bring an ability to beat the opposition one on one and score goals.

Up front, if Owen can gain his fitness then England still have one of the best goal scoring machines on the planet.

The problems come with the lack of strength in depth regarding the squad. Most of the England squad players are unproven at international level. Crouch is a great player to throw on if Plan A isn't working, as he can change a game just by his ability to hold the ball up and link play with some deft touches.

Problem is though, that with Rooney injured Plan A has gone completely out of the window before a ball is kicked.

The pressure is now on Sven to show that he can deliver a different formation to utilise the best of these players. With Gerrard and Lampard able to score regularly from midfield, the obvious choice is to set them free from defensive duties in the central midfield by bringing in Carrick and let them rampage forward whenever they can to support the sole striker. Unfortunately, Sven hasn't yet been able to do that and may choose one over the other .

Football 365 have a good mini-analysis on what Sven should, and will, do.

The BBC have a nice little Pick Your Own Team page too.