Herr Hippo sent me on my first scouting mission for this year’s World Cup – to Arsenal v West Ham. Unfortunately the World Cup Hippo budget is a bit tight; I therefore couldn’t make it to Highbury and had to make do with viewing the game at The Cricketer’s pub in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

Arsenal and England defender, Sol Campbell was the game’s standout player - for all the wrong reasons. Campbell’s been an impermeable defensive monolith for many years, and one dire performance does not a bad player maketh. Having said that he’s not been in great form since coming back from injury and his clangers in this game were pretty immense. His miscue, which allowed Reo-Coker through to score the first goal, defied at least two laws of physics. Campbell was also out-muscled by Zamora for West Ham’s second goal. It would be daft to write Sol Campbell off - but I’m going to anyway. The dwindling fumes of reputation should not guarantee a seat on the ferry to Germany.

West Ham’s forward, Bobby Zamora however put in a very respectable performance. Playing as a lone striker (with Harewood stationed on the right) Zamora was quick, strong and industrious. His qualities were demonstrated when a good turn of foot and a decent touch took him into the penalty area, before he dumped Campbell onto the floor and curled a great left foot shot past Lehmann.

England are struggling for a fourth striker, as Defoe is out of favour at Tottenham, but I think one of Sven’s old favourites, Darius Vassell, could well be selected for Germany. But if Sven decides to take a fifth striker, perhaps Zamora’s the man. The other attacking options don’t appeal – Darren Bent and Andy Johnson for example - and Heskey has surely had his international day. Sven is also going to have to search hard if he looks instead to supplement his squad with an impact midfielder. Shaun Wright-Phillips is a forgotten man, Stewart Downing is just back from injury - and Keith O’Neill has retired and is Irish anyway.

Of the other hopefuls, West Ham left-back Paul Konchesky was sturdy enough despite his miss-kick leading to the first Arsenal goal. I’d only include him in the World Cup squad though if two from the A. Cole, Bridge, Carragher triumvirate were unavailable. West Ham’s Nigel Reo-Coker also played well but England currently have an abundance of cover in central midfield and only multiple injuries and/or missed drug tests will see his inclusion in Sven’s 23.

So in conclusion – Campbell out, Zamora in!

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