Football: Hoddle eyes the high road
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Your support makes all the difference.Like for like, red for red is the assumption. It could just be, however, that the England coach Glenn Hoddle is considering a change of approach that will see Les Ferdinand rather than Paul Scholes partner Ian Wright in attack for the World Cup qualifying match against Moldova at Wembley on Wednesday.
With Teddy Sheringham having pulled out as a result of two cracked ribs, his Manchester United team-mate Scholes would appear a suitable replacement in the withdrawn, linking striker's role. Despite his passing abilities, Scholes does not possess Sheringham's presence in the air, a quality likely to be important against the Moldovans. Their best defender, the sweeper Ion Testimizanu, stands only 5ft 9in tall. So, enter Ferdinand.
Moldova, bottom of Group Two and without a point, are likely to line up with only one striker and concentrate on defending in depth. Anticipating as much, Hoddle has been working in training on what he calls a "waves" drill, seven players attacking seven others in quick succession, to simulate the task. "It is designed to find ways of getting around a blanket wall," said the coach. "At international level sometimes you get a lot of people behind the ball and you need width and better movement than we have shown against Italy and Poland at home."
Hoddle could change from a probably unnecessary three central defenders to two, in a more recognisable 4-4-2 shape. He may well pair David Beckham and Paul Gascoigne in central midfield, as they were in England's 3-0 win in Moldova last year, seeking to release Ian Wright into space. Robert Lee's versatility and goal-scoring potential could see him included.
In addition, Stuart Ripley may return for his first cap in four years as a right winger, the aim to supply good quality crosses for Ferdinand. Graeme Le Saux will be expected to deliver similarly from the left. Scholes could find himself as a locksmith in waiting on the substitutes' bench.
Many eyes and ears will be as interested in news from Georgia where Italy will determine England's task for the deciding match in the group in Rome next month; draw or win to qualify automatically for France 98?
"It may be that everybody outside will be taking their eye off the ball but we won't," Hoddle insisted. "We will be tuned in. We will be very professional in how we approach the game. We have two reasons for doing well."
England (possible): Seaman; G Neville, Southgate, Campbell, Le Saux; Ripley, Beckham, Gascoigne, Lee; Wright, Ferdinand.
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