Some teams and managers might be tempted to settle for a draw from a tricky away trip to Austria.

But with Jon Stead, Carlton Cole, Darren Bent and Dean Ashton to choose from, England Under-21 manager Peter Taylor won’t have a negative thought in his head when the European Championship campaign begins in Austria on 03 September.

"You have to play in the way to suit your strengths," said Taylor in the aftermath of an impressive 3-1 win against Ukraine, where Cole scored twice and Bent added a late third.

"I have four strikers who can all score goals so I think it’s fair to say I won’t be playing one up front in Austria and playing for a draw."

The forwards are also fortunate in that Jermaine Pennant and Stewart Downing supplied width against Ukraine and James Milner getting forward from midfield.

Striker Bent, who has scored three last-minute goals in an England jersey, said: "Ukraine passed it well but they didn’t really hurt us.

"When we had the ball, we penetrated. After I came on, I just tried to get into the right positions. When I saw Jermaine Pennant was going to cross, I made a dart to the near post and Deano Ashton and Peter Whittingham got the ball there to set me up."

Taylor is sure his side’s firepower could prove crucial in the forthcoming qualifiers.

Carlton Cole in particular has started the season in storming fashion and Taylor believes he is ready to become more prolific.

"I have only worked with him for a couple of days so I don’t know him that well but certain players concentrate on movement and goalscorers concentrate on getting 15 or 20 goals a season.

"Carlton has said he is really enjoying it at Aston Villa. It is important for him to play as often as he can.

"He deserved his first goal against Ukraine but I’ve told him the second shouldn’t count because it bounced 20 times before it crossed the line!"