Despite beating San Marino 5-0 on Friday, England boss Roy Hodgson says he has a welcome selection headache ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Poland.
There is a possibility that Hodgson could make up to six changes for the Poland game.
“The players who came in against San Marino did so well,” Hodgson said. “There are a few selection decisions. That is good to have.”
Frank Lampard is unavailable due to a knee injury, but Steven Gerrard returns from suspension while Ashley Cole and Jermain Defoe, who were unused substitutes against San Marino, are expected to start.
The Poland trip is probably the hardest away game that England will face during World Cup Qualifying, and Hodgson is expected to replace the kids with a more experienced line-up in what will be a hostile environment.
“If the younger players want to take over then they’ll have to play very well because some of the experienced players are still very keen to play football at this level for as long as possible,” Hodgson added.
“They’ll have to make certain they are better than the ones who have been doing the job.
“It is nice to know we are producing some players now who will challenge, will continue to improve, will mature with time and the matches they can play.
“Experience is important and we do have, at the moment, a good balance between youth and experience, but the key on Tuesday night is nothing more complicated than playing well.”