If Robbie Fowler was England manager, the former Liverpool forward would utilise new signing Rickie Lambert as the spearhead of the Three Lions' attack at the World Cup.

The Reds made the 32-year-old their first signing of the summer transfer window last Monday, concluding a deal with Southampton to snap up the prolific striker.

He returns to his boyhood club having notched 28 Barclays Premier League goals during the past two seasons - a tally that earned the Scouser a berth in the travelling party for Brazil.

Ahead of England's opening match of the tournament, against Italy on Saturday, Fowler has outlined how a combination including Lambert and Daniel Sturridge could prove profitable.

"I would play Lambert, [Wayne] Rooney and Sturridge as a front three," the 39-year-old told talkSPORT.

"I'm old school - I want to win games playing with excitement and getting people off their seats. I'd have Lambert as the focal point, and have Rooney and Sturridge playing off him as a three.

"Lambert gives you other options and I think that's probably what England lacked in a few of the games where Lambert has not played. Everyone wants to drop off and get the ball, and there's no-one behind the defenders.

"At least Rickie Lambert will stay up there, the ball will stick and it will give other players a chance to get forward."