Who should take over Lampard's place tonight: Carrick or Wilshere?

Despite Friday’s 4-1 victory over Montenegro, England manager Roy Hodgson looks set to change his side for the visit of Poland tonight. Kyle Walker is suspended and Andros Townsend may miss out with injury, whilst the Metro is reporting that Frank Lampard is set to be replaced by Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

When choosing between Lampard, Wilshere and Michael Carrick, Hodgson’s decision could be impacted by whether Andros Townsend recovers from injury in time to take his place on the right ahead of James Milner.

In a game that England need to win, supporters of Lampard may point to his goal scoring record as reason for his inclusion. The Chelsea midfielder scored 15 goals last season, whereas Wilshere failed to score and Carrick scored once.  Lampard is also the only one of the trio to have found the net for his country – scoring 29 goals for England.

However, Steven Gerrard and Lampard together as a duo can look pedestrian. Wilshere would inject some youthful energy in to the side, as well as providing more creativity. Despite his club form being patchy this season, Wilshere has provided nine key passes this season. The same as Carrick and four more than Lampard, Wilshere has provided a chance the most frequently. Spending less time on the pitch than Carrick, he has made a key pass every 55 minutes; compared to every 70 minutes from Carrick and 99 minutes from Lampard.

The most likely of the three to provide the moment of magic to open a side up, Wilshere has also won the most duals of the three. He has got past his man 8 times, and is the most fouled of the trio. This shows his ability to quickly turn opponents, and could prove important when considering the delivery provided byLeighton Baines.

Given the attacking width of Hodgson’s side on Friday, a safer option tonight could prove to be Carrick. TheManchester United man has completed the most passes of any player in the Premier League so far this season, and would recycle possession and enable the front four to penetrate. Carrick also provides a better defensive option than his peers – against a Poland side that are sure to provide more of a threat than Montenegro did. Of the three, Carrick has made by far the most defensive actions – buoyed by an exceptional interceptions record.

If Townsend shakes off his injury to start, then Carrick provides the safest option for England ahead of Wilshere and Lampard. In a four man midfield including Welbeck and Townsend, Wilshere could prove an attacking step too far. Whilst Wilshere can play as a deeper midfielder, Carrick provides the safest option to keep the ball and play it to the more offensive players. If Milner is to start wide, then Wilshere should be given the opportunity to seize his chance to put his stamp on the England side.