Skysports.com takes a look at some of the options to replace Wayne Rooney for England at Euro 2012.
Strikers queuing up to take their chance at Euro 2012
After Wayne Rooney was hit with a three-match suspension by Uefa,
skysports.com takes a look at some of the options to replace the England striker in the group phase of Euro 2012.
England coach Fabio Capello has already confirmed he will be assessing other solutions in the friendlies leading up to the tournament, so just who will fill in for Rooney?
JERMAIN DEFOE (Tottenham. Age 29, Caps 46, Goals 15)
Unlucky to be left out of the squad for last week's game, Defoe used to be viewed as a Rooney replacement. His winner against Slovenia at the World Cup and subsequent hat-trick in the opening Euro 2012 group game against Bulgaria debunked that view. Capello has already said he will get a chance.
DANIEL STURRIDGE (Chelsea. Age 22, Uncapped)
Might have been selected already had it not been for the three-match ban that caused him to start the season in September. Now showing the talent Manchester City always felt he had, whilst losing some of the arrogance that ended his days with the Blues. New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is a fan.
DANNY WELBECK (Manchester United. Age 20, Caps 2, Goals 0)
Like Sturridge, has access to Champions League combat, which Capello views as being so integral to a young player's development. Has made rapid progress over the past 12 months and if the feeling of Welbeck moving to number three in Sir Alex Ferguson's striking roster is confirmed, he will not be far away.
DARREN BENT (Aston Villa. Age 27, Caps 11, Goals 4)
Seems to have assumed the role of being a man whose scoring record Capello is loath to ignore, without ever seeming to be the Italian's first choice. May end up being a dependable substitute.
ANDY CARROLL (Liverpool. Age 22, Caps 3, Goals 1)
Talked up as the future 12 months ago but now shoved to the periphery. Capello has expressed concern about the Liverpool man's lifestyle, although Kenny Dalglish has angrily denied there is a problem.
BOBBY ZAMORA (Fulham. Age 30, Caps 1, Goals 0)
Laughingly described as one of the young players he was pinning his faith on post-World Cup by Capello, Zamora nevertheless has an ability the Italian quite likes. Ground to make up after missing so much of last season through injury and not a like-for-like Rooney replacement, but can bring others into play.
STEVEN GERRARD (Liverpool. Age 31, Caps 89, Goals 19)
The early money would be on Gerrard filling the role behind a main striker. Suffers far too many injuries but, unlike Rio Ferdinand, has not had his fitness record questioned by Capello. All Gerrard's early reservations about playing as a forward have been dispelled.
ASHLEY YOUNG (Manchester United. Age 26, Caps 18, Goals 4)
A candidate for England's player of the year, Young first began to shine as a support striker in Denmark. It was a position he filled for Aston Villa under Gerard Houllier, although he has reverted back to the wide slots since his move to Manchester United.
