England legend Gary Lineker says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe can fire the nation to World Cup glory.

In his column for the Mail on Sunday, Lineker wrote: "I think Capello will consider finding the ideal strike partner for Rooney his single most important job over the next few months.

"And after last night's win against Slovenia, he has a real dilemma for Wednesday night. Does he go for the tried and trusted Emile Heskey, who hasn't let his country down in this campaign? Or does he choose Jermain Defoe, who is in the form of his life?

"I think this could be the time to pick Defoe for an important match like Croatia. We have been searching for Rooney's ideal partner and it would be good to find out if Defoe is the answer. His goal last night means he has scored three times for England in 90 minutes of action this season.

"Some strikers never adapt to international football so it is extremely tempting to give a player like him, bursting with confidence, a proper try."