I don't rate Welbeck, he's had a much better season than last year but I don't think he's the type of player that fits in with the current England setup. Assuming Hodgson plays two up front it'll be Sturridge and Rooney starting, and with the latter never scoring at a World Cup any hopes of getting out of the group rely mostly on Sturridge. Welbeck is a strong hold up player, but I think Lambert does that better and is a much better goal scorer. The other alternative for that role is Carroll, and we won't go there.

I think what's needed is a player who can make an impact from the bench which Defoe became somewhat renowned for in his final years at Spurs, so for most games I'd start Sturridge and Rooney, rest Sturridge for the Costa Rica game with Lambert in and if needed get Defoe on towards the end to maybe nick a goal.

I agree with you when you say you'd have Cole in for Baines, it's just a shame he threw his toys out of the pram when he got asked to be on the standby list. I detest the guy but there's no denying he's still by far England's best left back.