Why England’s World Cup hopes could rest on the Sturridge-Rooney partnership

Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney

With the 2014 World Cup now fast approaching on the horizon, the time for experimentation is fast evaporating and England boss Roy Hodgson will have to begin formulating his plans for the summer extravaganza in Brazil.

A disappointing defeat at the hands of Chile on Friday brought the Three Lions back down to earth after basking in the afterglow of successfully qualifying for Brazil 2014.

The England team put out by Hodgson to test the squad strength ultimately raised more questions than answers as they failed to score against a weakened Chile side. However, tomorrow Hodgson’s England face Germany and Sky Sports report that Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney will lead the line for England.

While the defence and midfield areas are already the topic of much debate, the attacking third should also be a source of concern for the former Liverpool and Fulham boss.

In particular, the all too common sight of a frustrated Wayne Rooney, hands on hips, as the forwards around him fail to link up with the Manchester United star successfully.

Hodgson has persisted with the idea of playing Rooney as the lone striker in a three-pronged attack, but Rooney is too easily isolated against teams with a bit of defensive know-how.

The Three Lions boss should consider playing the former Everton star in his favoured No.10 role, in which he excels at club level behind Robin van Persie.

Wayne Rooney’s 16 key passes for Man Utd from a deeper position than for England – leading to four assists.

A similar relationship could be formed with in-form Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge for the visit of Germany to Wembley on Tuesday with Rooney deployed in a deeper role.

This would allow him to drop into midfield and pick up the ball rather than being wasted leading the line up front, which could go a long way to improving Rooney’s, and England’s, performance.

It would emphasise Rooney’s strengths as a creator and free up the lone striker position for Sturridge, a position he excels at for Liverpool.

Sturridge’s eight goals for Liverpool this season – his ability to poach goals in addition to his all-round play can be an asset for England.

In fact, Sturridge’s intelligence and link-up play with club team-mate Luis Suarez shows promise for a similar relationshop with Rooney at international level.

Alternatively, if Hodgson insists on a midfield trio, the striker could be stationed out on the left-flank and given license to roam and link-up with the attackers around him.

Rooney needs freedom to play his natural game, and playing the Manchester United star as the lone striker simply serves to hamstring his abilities and expose England’s lack of options between midfield and attack.

Wayne Rooney Heat Map vs Arsenal (Shows the freedom which he thrives in)

Experimenting and giving new players a chance to impress is all well and good, but with just two arranged fixtures left until June, Hodgson will need to quickly bed in a new strike-force.

England’s World Cup hopes could depend on it.