Wayne Rooney's role as England's leading striker is undisputed. Fabio Capello rests assured that he has at his disposal one of the world's premier match turners. But every Starsky needs a Hutch.
Spain will fly into South Africa confident of their chances: to Torres there is Villa. For France, there is an Anelka or Benzema to Thierry Henry. To Brazil's Luis Fabiano there is no shortage of partner possibilities.
England are still searching for that prolific partner to Rooney. In Tottenham's ranks they have two.
Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch make up two of the long list of "possibilities" to support Rooney in attack this summer and Defoe in particular should be especially compelling to Capello. Defoe loves to run in the channels behind defenders, and who leaves a bigger wake than Mr. Rooney?
Defoe has chosen no better year to prove his worth. His 14 goals after 21 games in the Premier League for Tottenham, who see themselves currently 4th in the league, say enough. Defoe deserves to be regarded as more than England's impact substitute. The reemergence of Micheal Owen into the conversation regarding strikers for England should push Defoe beyond aiming for a seat on the bench.
Defoe can poach with the best of them, but more importantly, he has a feel for the solo effort. Ronaldo's 2002 effort for Brazil stands as proof that a striker scoring on his own just a few times can turn a tournament. Defoe's solo stunners have always made their way to the "best of" DVD's, but they occurred with irregularity in the past. His newfound consistency may just be the key to a successful campaign in South Africa for England.
Rooney has dragged Manchester United through a barely adequate title race thus far with his outstanding goal record. Defoe has been the star of Tottenham's fight for fourth. It's time these two are unleashed on the world together. England have the midfielders to feed them, and the defender's to solidify the leads they build.
One of these supporting stars may be Tottenhams other star turn, Aaron Lennon. Lennon's goal record, as a winger, is less impressive, but his consistency this season for Tottenham parallels his prolific teammate Defoe.
Lennon's performances for club and country had been sporadic. On his day though, like Defoe, he has the power to keep an entire backline on their back foot. In Germany 2006 he proved when given the space and the chances, he can beat his man almost every time. England, headed into this tournament, are firing on most cylinders. If Lennon plays at his best when England peak, chaos may ensue for English opposition.
Lennon is a lightning quick winger who offers something new to Beckham's slow and simple style of play. A game paced on pace matched with a powerful and accurate strike with either foot make Lennon the type of player to just maybe grab or create the goal England may really need.
The World Cup is a tournament that often hinges on the form of a few stars. Sometimes it is the ripening of the supporting cast that makes the difference. In a tournament that will be so flush with top talent, Tottenham may be able to offer the B-listers that tournaments typically tip on.
