Alan Hansen: Manchester United Star Must do Better Against Sweden

Former Liverpool legend Alan Hansen believes Ashley Young must show against Sweden that he deserves a place in the England starting side.

The Manchester United winger failed to spark in a central role behind club team-mate Danny Welbeck against France. And Roy Hodgson is expected to move Young to the left wing in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Friday's clash with Sweden.

Liverpool's Andy Carroll is likely to start alongside Manchester United striker Welbeck in Kiev as England look to exploit Sweden's vulnerability from crosses and set-pieces.

Six of the last seven goals Sweden have conceded have been headers - including both from Andriy Shevchenko in their 2-1 defeat against co-hosts Ukraine - a factor that appears to have persuaded Hodgson to plumb for aerial prowess.

"[Manchester United's] Young has pace and trickery is good with both feet and is a great crosser of the ball, so, like any winger, he would relish the opportunity to provide opportunities for two forwards who have proved themselves so capable in the air," Hansen told the Telegraph.

"In the absence of Wayne Rooney against France Young found himself playing in the role usually occupied by his Manchester United team-mate, but he was barely involved.

"This is a key game for Ashley because he will know that, regardless of how well he plays against Sweden, Rooney will be restored to the team in the position just behind the striker.

"That's why it will suit Young to play on the wing on Friday night, a position he is comfortable in and one where he can be in control of his own destiny during Euro 2012."

Sweden have the tallest squad in the tournament but their shambolic defensive display against Ukraine has prompted manager Erik Hamren to draft in Jonas Olsson at centre-back and switch Andreas Granqvist to right-back.

"We've watched tapes of them," the England captain, Steven Gerrard, said. "In the last five or six games they have conceded a lot of goals off crosses so it's an area we will try to concentrate on. We have some wonderful crossers in our squad. We've seen their weaknesses and I think we have the players to exploit those weaknesses."

Oxlade-Chamberlain is almost certain to be left out of the first-XI on Friday evening, after England struggled in the final third against France. But Hansen believes Young should have the technical skills to excel wherever he is played.

"Ashley is a big-time player." added Hansen. "He plays for Manchester United and is accustomed to all that comes with that, so he needs to show he is not overawed by his role and go out there with the mentality that he is going to prove to everybody that he is worth his place in the team.

"Obviously, if Hodgson decides to go with two up front and restore Young to the wing, his crossing ability will be a key factor.

"But if Carroll-Welbeck is only an option should England be chasing the game in the latter stages, Ashley needs to do better than he did against France.

"It should be easier for him to impress against Sweden, however, as they are not as good as France technically.

"In those pockets of space between midfield and attack, England can enjoy success against Sweden and that is where Young can prosper."