Bench Lampard

England equalled their best World Cup qualifying campaign since 1966 by hitting Andorra for six tonight. However, the side in such great form should not be the one entering their inevitable first game in South Africa next summer.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard can not recreate their best form starting alongside each other. One of them has to be sacrificed for the sake of themselves and the team.

Gerrard should start. He is the better of the two and - if played centrally - can be the force that is required to bring home the World Cup.

There's no doubt about it, Fabio Capello has had the most success in facilitating the two in the same team. He has placed Gerrard on the left and allowed him to roam inside, but this is only down to Joe Cole's absence through injury. Cole starred on the left prior to rupturing a cruciate knee ligament and will be a clear option to start in next year's tournament.

For England to win the World Cup next summer they will need to field a balanced side that poses a serious threat on both wings. Theo Walcott - barring injury - is sure to start on the right and I believe there are two skillful contenders for the left, one being Cole, the other being Ashley Young.

If Gerrard is the focal point of the midfield and free to surge towards goal - he will replicate his exceptional form for Liverpool.

An England midfield starring an in-form Gerrard supported by lethal wingers and anchored by Barry will surely allow us our best chance of winning the World Cup since '66.

England are fortunate to be able to call upon two of the best midfielders in the world - and I do rate Lampard that highly - but the player with the greatest ability should start. This is how it works at club level. It should be how it works for the national side.

There is still a lack of competition for places as Capello insists on playing the best players - regardless of position - from the start. With Lampard on the bench, Gerrard will have to impress and will be ever aware of the threat to his position.

Should Gerrard fail to impose himself - Lampard will have the chance to change the game and prove he deserves to start.