Perhaps the biggest challenge for the England squad under Fabio Capello's new regime is to adapt their way of thinking on the pitch. Dress codes and behaviour may be easier to alter for the players than changing their approach to tactics.

The Italian is asking his players to operate in ways they have never done before, using a variety of different systems and formations, a transition that will take time to perfect. Adaptability is the new name of England's game.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in Capello's preference for a split-striker system, which he hopes will give England numbers in midfield as well as helping to make up for the scarcity of genuine goalscorers. Unfortunately for the Italian, he lacks the tools to put his ideas into practice so has asked other players to adapt, with Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole having both played off Wayne Rooney in the matches against Switzerland and France.

Gerrard has been relishing the freedom afforded by such a role behind Fernando Torres at Liverpool recently, although for all his qualities, Rooney lacks the Spanish striker's pace and has been told he must change his game.

“I think Wayne slightly has to adapt his game as well, because for me to get space in there and for it to work, he has to play a lot higher and stretch the defence,” Gerrard said. “I think that is why myself and Torres are having a lot of joy, because he is so direct and plays high up.

“With two holding midfielders behind us, the team are a lot more secure when they lose the ball. Wayne will have to adapt his game, but if anyone can do it, it's Wayne. I've seen him do it with Manchester United. He destroyed us at the weekend with his direct running and making it difficult for defenders. I'm sure both of us can make it work, but it's going to take time. We've had two games together and four or five training sessions.

“I've been playing it for Liverpool and been enjoying it. I'm a central midfielder, I've played there all my life, but I do feel as if I can cause problems in there and can adapt to the role. I'm still learning that position. I think I've played it ten to 15 times, but I'm confident I can make it happen in there.”

Whether Rooney is able to adapt remains to be seen, as he is at his best running at defenders from deep, a style seemingly incompatible with the demands of being a sole striker. Capello's desire to convert his most talented player shows up his limited options, as well as revealing his lack of faith in Michael Owen, whom he believes lacks the necessary work-rate to lead the line on his own. Although he was introduced at half-time at the Stade de France, the Newcastle United striker is the most high-profile casualty of the new regime, which explains his frustration and defensive attitude when insisting he has nothing to prove. For all his injury problems, Owen remains Capello's most potent striker, with a record of 40 goals in 89 matches making him the third-highest goalscorer in England's history and the highest in competitive matches.

“Every player wants to play, but for now I'm not,” Owen said. “I hope the manager knows what I'm about. I'm sure he has seen me play and he has watched videos. I missed a lot of qualifying through my cruciate, but when I came back I played quite well. I scored a couple against Russia and one against Israel and Estonia.

“I only played one more game, Russia away when we get got beat, so I did all right in qualifying. I'm sure he has seen me play before. You'd have to ask the manager what he's trying to create. In terms of what he is trying to do, you'd best ask him.”

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