Ferdinand Returns for Croatia Clash?

Rio Ferdinand is reported to be fit for the Wednesday clash against Croatia in Zagreb- scene of Steve McLaren's last stand, England were eliminated from qualifying for Euro 2008 thanks to a 3-2 loss to Slaven Bilic's men. England will need the solidity at the back if they are to get a result in this fixture and Ferdinand may be just the man to produce that. Selection is an issue after Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney were harshly criticized by England manager Fabio Capello for dropping too deep into midfield and thereby leaving Emile Heskey isolated in attack after he was brought on to replace the increasingly ineffectual Jermaine Defoe. Rooney's place looks far from secure, but nobody is going to doubt the fact that the England man is up to the task. Joe Cole, having scored both of England's goals against Andorra at the weekend, is a virtual certainty to start on his preferred left-hand side. Numerous pundits have called for Cole's inclusion to be made permanent, especially after Stuart Downing and his errant crossing lasted only 45 minutes on Sunday. Croatia possess both a potent offence and a creative midfield and England will need to come at the Croats to have any chance of securing a vital three points. Theo Walcott may feature again after putting in a committed display, marauding up and down the right hand side and offering the first true example of pace since Aaron Lennon played for the lions at World Cup 2006. I think that if the Capello era is to be seen as a success, England must leave Zagreb with a full three points or, failing that, a committed and steely draw. England must play well in order to ease the pressure on both the team and, although it is early in his reign, the manager. I am backing England to win this one, but it certainly won't be pretty. Recomendations:England to win: 3.35 (currently) at BetfairEngland to win 2-1: 13.5 at BetfairWayne Rooney to score: 3/1 at Paddy Power