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England boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed Southampton's Rickie Lambert will start Friday's crucial World Cup qualifier with Moldova.
Hodgson's options are limited for the clash at Wembley as both Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge have pulled out from the national squad due to injury.
That leaves the Three Lions boss with just Lambert, Jermain Defoe and Danny Welbeck to choose from to lead the line against Moldova.
Hodgson has now confirmed his line-up for the game and has gone with Lambert, Welbeck and Theo Walcott in attack.
Lambert, who earned his first England cap in the 3-2 friendly win over Scotland in January, has been given the nod ahead of Defoe due to his match fitness and Hodgson has backed him to be a success on Friday night.
"It's partly the fact Lambert turned up fully fit, having played the three matches," said Hodgson.
"It was a straight choice between Lambert and Defoe. Jermain hasn't played and turned up with a slight injury. That swayed me to turn my attention to Rickie.
Lambert is4.33to score first against Moldova and1.57to strike at anytime, while United hitman Welbeck is4.33to break the deadlock.
Behind the inexperienced frontline Hodgson has opted to go for a three-man midfield of captain Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere.
Joe Hart keeps his place in goal, despite a recent dip in form, with Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka partnered together at centre-half. Kyle Walker and Ashley Cole will operate as the full-backs.
Hodgson is hopeful the experience of Cole, Gerrard and Lampard will guide England through the potential banana skin of a qualifier.
"Is it a reflection on Frank and Steven that they're still playing?" added Hodgson.
"You can argue that, but they're under enormous pressure with their club sides too.
"They are playing at top clubs who are buying big players, but they haven't been able to knock these guys off their perch."
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