England vs Sweden: Andy Carroll In Starting Lineup
Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be dropped to the bench.
England are set to start Andy Caroll up front in this evening's important Euro 2012 clash with Sweden. Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be dropped to the bench. Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has listened to the fans and the media criticism of the negative tactics and style of play against France on Monday where England only registered one shot in a defence display and with three points required tonight, a big change is expected to be made. Sky Sports reports that England will likely field a 4-4-2 formation this evening with Carroll partnering Danny Welbeck. The Manchester United forward struggled as a lone striker against the touch French defence and we expect he will have a better time of things this evening with Carroll providing the muscle, the nuisance and the guile against the Swede's centre-halves. It is also noteworthy that the two goals Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko scored against Sweden in their Group D opener was from headers and Hodgson will be hoping Caroll can further exploit the Swede's defensive weakness. If he plays, 23-year-old Carroll will be making his first competitive start for England having only registered one solitary minute of competitive international experience but with goals required tonight, he will be thrown straight into the deep end. England vs Sweden is a 7.45pm kick-off on ITV 1.