According to the popular press, Fabio Capello will give Aaron Lennon a start on the right side of England’s midfield, when they face Croatia on Wedneday night.
Lennon more than deserves it. Over last season and the start of the current campaign, Lennon has been more consistent than either Shaun Wright Phillips or Theo Walcott (though admittedly the latter has done well for England) and this is a real chance for him to cement his place in the World Cup squad.
It doesn’t seem that long ago when it seemed as if his career at Spurs might be over. Having burst onto the scene, Lennon stagnated for a couple of seasons and when we signed David Bentley, it looked as if Lennon might make way.
I remember hoping that we would give Lennon at least another season to prove himself, but truthfully if we had sold him last summer, I’m not sure that I’d have shed any tears. He just didn’t seem like he was going to develop into a top player. Sometimes when a youngster makes the first team early, it’s easy to forget their age.
Instead the signing of Bentley may well have given Lennon some motivation. He played so well that he quickly became undroppable, leaving Bentley a frustrated spectator. This season, Lennon has started in the same vein of form and two goals in successive games, suggests that this area of his game could further develop.
So the next time you find yourself having a moan when Lennon puts in a wayward cross, remind yourself that he’s still a young man who is learning his trade. As another Lennon’s partner McCartney sang, he’s ‘getting better all the time’.
I totally think that Lennon needs to be given more chances to prove himself, he is a top quality winger that could be great for England.
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