Who is going to be on that plane to South Africa?
The countdown has begun for the World Cup finals in South Africa with England’s expectations higher than at any time since Bobby Robson took the Three Lions to the semi-finals in 1990.
But who will be charged with creating history? And who will spend the summer in their flip-flops sipping sangria?
Capello names a preliminary 30-man England squad in May, followed by the final 23 on June 1.
Building up to those announcements we will monitor their progress on a week-to-week basis, and how close they are to persuading the manager they are ready to fly the flag in South Africa.
-- ON THE PLANE
David James
The veteran goalkeeper is 40 in August and after failing to finish at Spurs with a slight calf strain, was unable to play against Blackburn at the weekend. But there is an FA Cup semi-final to come on Sunday where the veteran will be back.
Robert Green
West Ham’s goalkeeper is 30 but has just nine caps, has now conceded 63 club goals this season and was sent off against Ukraine. Yet surely a certainty.
John Terry
No longer the captain but still a giant in defending terms. Has inspired his side to three successive victories with 14 goals and just two conceded.
Rio Ferdinand
Is back after injury and remains one of the best defenders in the world though he could no nothing to stop Chelsea from earning a crucial win at Old Trafford.
Ashley Young
Having an impressive season for Villa and, on Saturday, scored his ninth goal of the season, the winner at Bolton.
Steven Gerrard
One of the first names on the list and crucial to any hopes of winning the World Cup. Scored at Birmingham on Sunday.
Glen Johnson
Back in action, which is good news for England. Has proved his fitness since returning so must be a certainty for South Africa.
Frank Lampard
With 20 goals in 76 internationals, his value is obvious. And with Chelsea winning at United, he has the incentive to continue his fine form until the end of the season.
Gareth Barry
Having featured in 27 of England’s last 29 games, there can be little doubt he will be in South Africa. Helped City thrash Burnley 6-1 at the weekend.
Wayne Rooney
The jewel in England’s crown with 34 goals in 46 games for club and country this season. The sight of the player leaving Germany on crutches filled the nation with fear but some reports suggest he could be back sooner rather than later, even as early as this week. Phew...
Jermain Defoe
Whether there is room for Rooney and Defoe is not clear, but he is the next best thing and is a must for South Africa. Was back on Spurs’ bench at Sunderland and should return in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.
Peter Crouch
Love him or hate him, you cannot criticize his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt and he did what he does best at the weekend – scoring after coming off the bench.
-- IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE
Joe Hart
A possible third choice goalkeeper, and moving to Birmingham has helped, but is fearful that he will have to spend next season on Manchester City’s bench.
Paul Robinson
Has enjoyed a good season and was back after injury at Portsmouth at the weekend where he kept a clean sheet.
Wes Brown
Dependable defender but currently injured. If he is fit, Capello will want him on the plane.
Matthew Upson
The jury is still out on Upson. Having an average season for West Ham, but regarded as good cover for Terry and Ferdinand.
Joleon Lescott
Rated highly but injuries are threatening his place. Out for several weeks, which could put his place in doubt.
Phil Jagielka
Such a great prospect but his career was on ice when he suffered serious injury last April.
Ashley Cole
If he is a fit the best left-back in the world is a certainty, but doubts remain over the extent of his foot injury, though he is back in training.
Darren Bent
Loads of goals including two more at the weekend; there will come a time when Capello cannot ignore the striker.
Leighton Baines
Potential replacement for Cole and did not disappoint on his debut against Egypt.
Emile Heskey
Heskey has his critics, just seven goals in 57 internationals is hardly impressive. Fit but only on the bench at the weekend, coming on late at Bolton.
Michael Carrick
Suffers by being a midfielder in a country that has Gerrard, Lampard and Barry, but offers good cover, even as an emergency defender. Once again a non-playing sub at the weekend, against Chelsea.
Owen Hargreaves
His career has been in doubt, but the Canadian born midfielder is close to returning and could add to his 42 caps. But he has a lot to do to prove his worth.
Stewart Downing
Made the last world Cup squad and Capello has gone on record admitting he has been impressed by the winger.
Theo Walcott
A shock choice last time, but has not progressed as expected with injuries his biggest problem. Featured at Birmingham but failed to finish.
Aaron Lennon
If fit, he is a must, but doubts persist over the winger’s groin strain. Is improving and nearing a return.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
With Beckham gone, he has a chance but not even a regular at Manchester City.
Joe Cole
When he’s good he’s very good and went to the last World Cup but he struggles to make Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Scored at Old Trafford.
James Milner
In form for Villa after a permanent feature of the U21s. Offers width and brains.
Bobby Zamora
Previously wouldn’t have got a look in but Roy Hodgson’s has championed the Fulham striker’s cause. Wrapped in cotton wool by Fulham ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Wolfsburg.
-- ON THE BEACH
David Beckham
Injured, saving Capello a dilemma.
Michael Owen
Another injury victim, but would probably have failed to make the squad.
Jonathan Woodgate
Had a fringe chance but injury ended that.
Wayne Bridge
Decided to quit international football. No chance of a U-turn.
Ben Foster
Capello likes the goalkeeper but, after starting the season, just one appearance for United this year.
Scott Carson
Promised so much but now in the Championship with West Bromwhich Albion.
Michael Dawson
Impressive for Spurs but not rated by Capello.
Ledley King
Too injury prone.
Sol Campbell
Arsenal have given him a second chance, but too old.
Gary Cahill
A blood clot threatened his career, and though close to a return, too much to expect.
Carlton Cole
Too injury prone.
Tom Huddlestone
Got the call for the Brazil friendly, but needs another season.
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posted by Frank Golden at
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