Five things England MUST do for international success

1 GIVE HARRY KANE A CHANCE

The Tottenham striker deserves to be blooded straight into the side against Lithuania. He is the man in form and can provide a foil for Wayne Rooney. Roy Hodgson described Danny Welbeck as “Plan A” after his goals against Slovenia back in November with the caveat that things can change. Kane’s performances and goals demand a rethink.       

2 DITCH THE DIAMOND AT WEMBLEY

A midfield diamond has become Hodgson’s favoured formation, but it has worked better on the road than at Wembley when England need genuine width to break opponents down. The system is more suited to the game against Italy with Michael Carrick able to deputise for the injured Jack Wilshere.

3 HOPE CHRIS SMALLING THRIVES

The Manchester United defender started the win over Scotland in November and his performances of late have been impressive. At 25, the centre-back needs to make a role alongside Gary Cahill at the heart of England’s defence his own.       

4 PLAY JACK BUTLAND

Butland’s only appearance for England came in a 45-minute run-out against Italy in a friendly after Euro 2012. His elevation from the Under-21s due to Fraser Forster’s injury only makes sense if he now features over the next week. He has not played since conceding four goals in Stoke’s 4-1 FA Cup defeat by Blackburn on Valentine’s Day   

5 GET TOUGH WITH CLUBS

There should be no deals to release players after Lithuania and send them back to their clubs ahead of the Premier League run-in. Only those truly injured should be allowed to miss the Italy game.