Small players can hold the ball up just as well as big players - the amount of times I watch Carlton Cole have a ball up to him, he shoves the defender out the way and ball bounces off him is ridiculous. Rooney for instance isn't a big player but is excellent at holding the ball up. Defoe, cannot hold the ball up not because of height but because he isn't strong enough and its not in his make up to do that. He feeds on scraps, runs at centre backs and in the channels.
Sorry Dave but Johnson is not a frustrated winger and never was, if you look at his history he grew up playing centre back as he was quite tall for his age when he was younger. But he was very much in the mould or Rio which Tony Carr was pushing on the centre backs at that time. Which is why Johnson is actually pretty good on the ball. When he went to Chelsea he was forced to play right back, which if you ask any central defender isn't easy as it involves a whole new method of playing (ie not facing up attackers) which is why it took so long for him to get into the groove for that position.
Parker can pass, and in fact I would argue is probably the most technically accomplished player in the team very rarely wasting possession only playing the hollywood pass when it really is on.
Lescott would be an utter joke at right back, sorry captain, thats a shocking call. If you don't like Johnson then play Kelly who would be a better bet than a 6'3'' guy trying to adjust 20 years of his game playing down the middle where 50% of his touches are clearing headers.
A midfield of 5 with Walcott, Ox, Young, Gerrard and Parker. I reckon on the latter two could do that - the others couldnt cope with the confined spaces and quick thinking and passing required.