England vs Montenegro - How The Three Lions Should Line Up

Midfield - Frank Lampard

Youngsters Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend were called up for the England squad to face Moldova and Ukraine in the last two World Cup qualifiers and have again earned their places in the long-list for the clashes against Montenegro and Poland. However, I expect Hodgson to stick with the "old guard" against the Montenegro's, and that means another start for the veteran Frank Lampard. The Chelsea midfielder started both of the Three Lion's last two qualifying games and has also been playing consistently at club level for Chelsea - a far cry from last season under Rafa Benitez when it looked as though his international career might be over. There's some exciting, fresh blood coming through in midfield, particularly in Barkley, who has looked more than a little bit impressive this season for the Toffees. Townsend is another exciting fledgling and I'd like to see Phil Jones played in midfield a little bit more, but for now, very few could argue against Lampard's selection after he earned his 100th cap last month.

Midfield - Steven Gerrard

Joining Lampard in midfield will be another old head in Steven Gerrard, in all likelihood, making a mockery of that old argument that the two "can't play together". Indeed, Lampard and Gerrard have been playing together for a while now and both started England's last two qualifying games against Moldova and Ukraine. It would seem as though manager Roy Hodgson is making the most of their collective experience in his bid to steer the Three Lions out of Group H, and so far at least, it seems to be working. Lampard and Gerrard are serial match winners, having played in Champions League finals for their clubs and proving they have the mettle when the chips are down. Big performances will be expected from both, but then, both are used to competing under pressure.

Midfield - Michael Carrick

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is expected to lose his place in a three-man midfield against Montenegro on Friday. The young Gunner has been in and out of the news this month for varying reasons, not all of them positive. The midfielder was caught smoking following his side's 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League, and was criticised by manager Arsene Wenger. He redeemed himself last weekend however by netting the equalising goal against West Brom with a sublime effort, but lacks the experience at the top level having only made four competitive international appearances in his career. It's time to recall Michael Carrick, and there are many who join me in that sentiment. Carrick has been a consistent performer for Manchester United at club level for years, and is one of the best passing midfielders in the game, something of which would complement Roy Hodgson's 4-3-3 formation. Of course, Wilshere is still young and maturing all the time, and will one day be a future England regular, but for now, Carrick should get the nod against Montenegro.