Another exciting weekend in the Premiership - but what does this mean for our players?

Another very exiciting weekend in the Premiership especially if you are a Chelsea or Manchester United fan seeing who is going to win that important Premiership title, after Chelsea's stunning 7.0 win over Stoke, I think they have it in the bag. In our household they are Arsenal supporters and think they have realised 3rd is their ultimate spot. Unfortunately Burnely have also been relegated along with Portsmouth but not sure who else will be joining them.

It was also an exciting weekend for Wayne Rooney and James Milner winning PFA player of the year and Young Player of the year so does this mean they will get on that plane to South Africa. Hopefully Wayne Rooney will be recovered enough to get there.

-- ON THE PLANE

David James

The veteran goalkeeper is 40 in August and though Portsmouth are down, the chance to play in the FA Cup final - almost certainly his last game for the club - has given James fresh focus, which can only be good for England.

Robert Green

West Ham’s goalkeeper is 30 but has just nine caps. Some argue he has a place by default only, but he remains in the top three.

Joe Hart

A terrific season loan to Birmingham, and the players’ goalkeeping choice for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year is his reward. Any doubts that he may not make the plane have been allayed by some outstanding performances.

John Terry

No longer the captain but still a giant in defending terms. He missed Chelsea’s 7-0 win over Stoke through suspension but returns for the final two games when victories will confirm another title. Interestingly, there was no place for Terry in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

Rio Ferdinand

Maybe not having his most consistent season, a factor not helped by injuries, as highlighted by his absence, with a groin problem, from United’s last two games. Like Terry, he was left out of PFA Premier League Team of the Year by his fellow professionals.

Ashley Young

Having an impressive season for Villa and instrumental in getting the club into Europe and with the chance of making the Champions League.

Steven Gerrard

One of the first names on the list and crucial to any hopes of winning the World Cup. But he must be getting fed up with Liverpool’s underachieving. Scored two more goals at Burnley, which is encouraging for Capello.

Glen Johnson

Back in action, which is good news for England. Has proved his fitness since returning, starting the last 11 games for Liverpool and completing all but one, so must be a certainty for South Africa.

Frank Lampard

With 20 goals in 77 internationals, his value is obvious. Another shock omission from the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, despite taking his best ever scoring tally – from midfield – to 25 goals, in 48 games. He has also had 15 ‘assists’.

Gareth Barry

Having featured in 27 of England’s last 29 games, there can be little doubt he will be in South Africa.

James Milner

In form for Villa after a permanent feature of the Under-21s. Offers width and intelligence and his award as the PFA’s Young Player of the Year and place in the Premier League Team of the Year confirms his elevation to senior status.

Wayne Rooney

The jewel in England’s crown. Rooney’s outstanding season received the accolade of the PFA Player of the Year on Sunday and he is favourite to win the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year. Injuries have affected his season but he remains confident he will be fit for England.

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. After recovering from a groin injury suffered in training he is back and looking fully fit.

Peter Crouch

Love him or hate him, you cannot criticize his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt. Not always first choice but he remains a great impact player. Came off the bench at Old Trafford.

-- IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE

Paul Robinson

Has enjoyed a good season but has conceded four goals in his last two appearances has seen him drop behind Joe Hart in the pecking order.

Wes Brown

Dependable defender but currently injured. If he is fit, Capello will want him on the plane but time is running out.

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.

Michael Dawson

His performances have echoed Spurs’ success this season but he could do little to prevent Manchester United from scoring three on Saturday.

Phil Jagielka

Such a great prospect but his career was on ice when he suffered serious injury last April. Now back on a regular basis.

Ashley Cole

The return of Cole against Stoke on Saturday, his ability to complete 90 minutes and a clean sheet will have gladdened the heart of Capello. Has two more games to get back match fitness.

Darren Bent

Bent scored his 25th goal of the season on Saturday and now faces a fight with Bobby Zamora, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole for a place on the plane. What more does he have to do?

Leighton Baines

Potential cover for Ashley Cole and did not disappoint on his debut against Egypt.

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. But cannot break into the United team at present.

Owen Hargreaves

His career has been in doubt, but the Canadian born midfielder is close to returning and could add to his 42 caps. Still waiting for his anticipated return.

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. He was poor on Saturday in front of Capello, who must be having his doubts as to whether to include the youngster, though his pace could prove invaluable.

Aaron Lennon

If fit, he is a must, and his return for his first game in 2010, for Spurs at Old Trafford, can only be a good sign

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.

Emile Heskey

Heskey has his critics, just seven goals in 57 internationals is hardly impressive. Has been on the bench for each of Villa’s last five games.

Bobby Zamora

Previously wouldn’t have got a look in, but Roy Hodgson has championed the Fulham striker’s cause. And he has responded with his best ever scoring season in the top flight.

-- ON THE BEACH

David Beckham

Injured, saving Capello a dilemma but could still be there in a supporting role.

Michael Owen

Another injury victim, but would probably have failed to make the squad.

Jonathan Woodgate

Had a fringe chance but injury ended that.

Joleon Lescott

Rated highly but injuries are threatening his place with the defender ruled out for the rest of the season, which puts his chances in serious doubt.

Wayne Bridge

Decided to quit international football. No chance of a U-turn or is there?

Ben Foster

Capello likes the goalkeeper but, after starting the season, just one appearance for United this year.

Scott Carson

Promised so much and helping WBA win their place back in the Premier League augers well for the future. But not yet.

Ledley King

Too injury prone, but when he plays he is outstanding.

Sol Campbell

Arsenal have given him a second chance, and injuries are giving him a run, and Arsene Wenger believes he could do a job.

Gary Cahill

A blood clot threatened his career and, though he is now back, a place in South Africa is probably 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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Could Beckham really be at the World Cup this year?

Rumours have it that David Beckham could be at the World Cup in South Africa, though it is all dependant on whether his consultant surgeon gives him the go ahead.

If Dr Sakari Orava gives Beckham the go-ahead then he will join up with the squad when they fly out on June 2. There is one more important qualification to his involvement – England will also have to make sure that he can carry out his rehabilitation work at their training camp in Rustenburg.

If the necessary facilities and equipment are not available then Beckham, 34, will not be allowed to go especially as he is determined, despite fears over the future of his career, to play again before the end of the year.

Capello contacted Beckham the night he tore the Achilles playing for AC Milan last month and immediately offered him the chance to go to South Africa. The offer was partly to raise Beckham's spirits but Capello is also serious in his belief that the midfielder can be an asset to England.

It is a mark of how highly Capello rates Beckham – as a person as well as a player – that he has made the offer even though the Italian is aware of the worldwide interest and attention that he attracts and the danger of his presence being a distraction.

The manager believes that Beckham retained qualities – especially with his passing and ability at set-pieces, as well as his experience and the way in which he conducts himself – that were important to his squad.

Whether Beckham is now anything more than a glorified cheerleader if he goes to South Africa remains to be seen, but it is thought likely that Capello may ask him to carry out other duties, especially helping to work with some members of the squad.

If he goes to the World Cup it will also please the organisers, who have already asked if he would take part in the opening ceremony. It will also boost England's bid to host the 2018 tournament with Beckham's involvement having already helped resurrect a failing campaign.

Will be worth him going, just to see what hair style he adopts as he normally has an outlandish style that most young boys want to adopt and cause a talking point amongst the media.



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Special Birthday Greetings from 3 Big fans

After another busy weekend in the Premiership - what does this mean for our England players?

Last weekend was another busy one as Premier clubs are are trying to achieve that top spot, Champions League spot, UEFA spot and fighting to avoid relegration so what does this mean for our English players waiting that all important call up from Fabio Capello?
-- ON THE PLANE


David James
The veteran goalkeeper is 40 in August but a place in the FA Cup final has given James fresh focus, which can only be good for England.

Robert Green
West Ham’s goalkeeper is 30 but has just nine caps. Some argue he has a place by default only, but he remains in the top three.

John Terry
No longer the captain but still a giant in defending terms. However, he was sent off at Tottenham as Chelsea suffered a potentially damaging defeat, and that after he had conceded a penalty - both in front of Capello.

Rio Ferdinand
Maybe not having his most consistent season, a factor not helped by injuries, as highlighted by his absence for the Manchester derby with a groin problem.

Ashley Young
Having an impressive season for Villa and had a big say in Sunday’s important 2-1 win at Portsmouth.
Steven Gerrard
One of the first names on the list and crucial to any hopes of winning the World Cup. But he must be getting fed up with Liverpool’s underachieveing.
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 77 internationals, his value is obvious. And although Chelsea suffered a shock defeat at Spurs, Lampard was scoring again with his 23rd goal in what is his best ever return in terms of club goals.

Gareth Barry
Having featured in 27 of England’s last 29 games, there can be little doubt he will be in South Africa.

James Milner
In form for Villa after a permanent feature of the Under-21s. Offers width and intelligence.
Wayne Rooney
The jewel in England’s crown with 34 goals in 41 games for Manchester United. United, like England, need Rooney fit but he has emerged for only the big games recently and is clearly not fully fit.

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. Scored his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot - in ront of Capello - after recovering from a groin injury suffered in training 24 hours earlier.

Peter Crouch
Love him or hate him, you cannot criticize his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt. Not always first choice but he remains a great impact player. Started on the bench at the weekend after suffering from tonsilitis.

-- 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 but conceded three goals at home, against Everton, on Saturday.

Wes Brown
Dependable defender but currently injured. If he is fit, Capello will want him on the plane but time is running out.
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.
Michael Dawson
His performances have echoed Spurs’ success this season and a magnificent display against Chelsea at the weekend in front of Capello has pushed him up the ladder.
Phil Jagielka
Such a great prospect but his career was on ice when he suffered serious injury last April. Now back on a regular basis.
Ashley Cole
The sight of Cole on the bench, at Spurs, will have gladdened the heart of Capello, and he should start against Stoke at the weekend, the first of three games he has left to prove his fitness.

Darren Bent
Bent scored his 24th goal of the season on Saturday and now faces a fight with Bobby Zamora, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole for a place on the plane.

Leighton Baines
Potential cover for Ashley Cole and did not disappoint on his debut against Egypt.

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. But cannot break into the United team at present.

Owen Hargreaves
His career has been in doubt, but the Canadian born midfielder is close to returning and could add to his 42 caps. Still waiting for his anticipated return.
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. Injuries have given him an extended run and he is doing his best to show his pace could prove invaluable.
Aaron Lennon
If fit, he is a must, but doubts persist over the winger’s groin strain. Is improving and nearing a return, but his injury is now a concern at Spurs.
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. Was taken off at half-time at Spurs in front of Capello.

Emile Heskey
Heskey has his critics, just seven goals in 57 internationals is hardly impressive. Has been on the bench for each of Villa’s last four games.

Bobby Zamora
Previously wouldn’t have got a look in, but Roy Hodgson has championed the Fulham striker’s cause. And he has responded with his best ever scoring season in the top flight.
-- 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.
Joleon Lescott
Rated highly but injuries are threatening his place with the defender ruled out for the rest of the season, which puts his chances in serious doubt.

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 and helping WBA win their place back in the Premier League augers well for the future. But not yet.

Ledley King
Too injury prone.
Sol Campbell
Arsenal have given him a second chance, and injuries are giving him a run, but surely too late for England.

Gary Cahill
A blood clot threatened his career and, though he is now back, a place in South Africa is probably 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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How well has England done since their winning glory in 1966?

Since 1966, England have not been able to repeat their wining glory, here we take a look at how they have done:

ENGLAND 1966:

Alf Ramsey's 'wingless wonders' finally claimed the Jules Rimet Trophy for England with a dramatic 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final at Wembley, but it started slowly for the hosts.

A 0-0 opening draw against Uruguay led to doubts over England's ability to dethrone Brazil, but England reached the last eight following victories over Mexico and France.

A controversial 1-0 victory over Argentina earned a semi-final against Portugal at Wembley. England won 2-1 to face the Germans and Geoff Hurst's hat-trick proved decisive in the final.
MEXICO 1970:
England travelled to Mexico as world champions with many observers regarding the squad as stronger than four years earlier.

But after finishing second in their group to Brazil, who went on to claim a third World Cup, England were pitted against West Germany in the quarter-finals in what proved to be one the country's last World Cup fixture for 12 years.

Despite the loss of virus-stricken Gordon Banks, England went 2-0 ahead, but Sir Alf Ramsey's decision to substitute Bobby Charlton in the closing stages coincided with a German fightback that resulted in a 3-2 defeat for England.
SPAIN 1982:
Ron Greenwood's England ended the nation's 12 year World Cup exile and ultimately returned home without having lost a game.

Injuries to key figures Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking dogged Greenwood, but a 3-1 opening game victory over France, in which Bryan Robson scored after just 27 seconds, set England on course for three group victories.

But successive draws against West Germany and Spain in the next group phase led to England's exit.
MEXICO 1986:
Having opened up with a 1-0 defeat to Portugal and 0-0 draw against Morocco, which saw Bryan Robson dislocate his shoulder and Ray Wilkins sent off, Gary Lineker's hat-trick in a 3-0 win against Poland rescued England and secured a second round tie against Paraguay.

Another 3-0 victory against the Paraguayans in Mexico City teed up a quarter-final encounter against Argentina which was won by Diego Maradona's two most memorable goals.

His 'Hand of God' goal put Argentina ahead, but England had no answer to Maradona's majestic solo goal three minutes later.

ITALY 1990:
Another slow start by England, with draws against Ireland and the Netherlands, was followed by qualification to the second round after a 1-0 victory against Egypt.

David Platt's 119th minute volley against Belgium in Bologna led to a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Cameroon in Naples in the quarter-final.

But just as the World Cup beckoned, England ran into the Germans again and a penalty shoot-out defeat in the Turin semi-final was marked by Gazza's tears and spot-kick misses by Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle.
FRANCE 1998:
Another World Cup, another penalty shoot-out elimination, but this time against Argentina in the second round.

A 2-1 defeat against Romania in Toulouse ensured a second-placed group finish for Glenn Hoddle's team and a meeting with the Argentine's in St Etienne.

Michael Owen's wonder goal and David Beckham's dismissal for kicking out at Diego Simeone are enduring images, but shoot-out misses by Paul Ince and David Batty prompted England's exit.

JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA 2002:
England avenged their 1986 and 1998 defeats against Argentina when David Beckham's penalty sealed a 1-0 group victory in Sapporo.

Despite group draws against Sweden and Nigeria, England progressed to the second round where Sven-Goran Eriksson's team completed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Denmark.

Yet again, the Brazilians stood between England and World Cup glory and despite Michael Owen's opening goal, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho - courtesy of David Seaman's inability to save his long-range free-kick - progressed to the semi-finals.
GERMANY 2006:
England's so-called 'golden generation' flew to Germany telling the world that they were ready to win the World Cup, but Sven-Goran Eriksson's team under-performed before a quarter-final defeat - on penalties again - at the hands of Portugal.

With Wayne Rooney's metatarsal injury hovering over Eriksson, England reached the second round following victories against Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago and a draw against Sweden which was marred by a serious knee injury suffered by Michael Owen.
David Beckham's free-kick saw off Ecuador in round two, but Rooney's red card in the 0-0 quarter-final draw against Portugal preceded a 3-1 shoot-out defeat.


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What else does South Africe have to offer this year despite the World Cup?

Read on to find out what else South Africa has to offer us tourists visiting the World Cup country of 2010

Hector Pieterson Museum

Legend Golf Course

Fugitives Drift

Microlight over Kwazulu Natal

Cape Wine Tours

Shark Diving, Gansbaai

Kruger National Park

Robben Island

Whale Watching

The Garden Route Drive

So if football isn't your cup of tea, there is plenty else South Africa has to offer.

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1966 & 2010 the similarities go on!

1966 was an election year and so is 2010.

The World Cup victory that year also saw a new Dr Who on tv, as Patrick Troughton took over from William Hartnell and this year Matt Smith has taken over from David Tennant.

Our World Cup winning captain of 1966, Bobby Moore began his career at West Ham just like the proposed captain this year Rio Ferdinand.

In 1966, Spain were the European Champions, in 2010 the reigning champions are Spain.

Italy waited 44 years between their World Cup win in 1938 and their next in 1982 and it is 44 years since our triumph.

The opening of Parliment was first televised in 1966, and last Thursday was the first TV debate between the prime ministerial candidates.

On July 11 1966 saw the opening match of the World Cup featuring England and on July 11 2010 is the date of the World Cup final - could England be featuring?

So could this really be our year of lifting the World Cup - let's hope so.

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World Cup 2010: England players form guide - who will be in Fabio Capello's squad?

After another busy weekend for all our footie stars, lets see how they all fare for that World Cup place

-- 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 the following the weekend. But a clean sheet at Wembley and a place in the Cup final has given James fresh focus, which can only be good for England.
Robert Green
West Ham’s goalkeeper is 30 but has just nine caps, and on Saturday kept his first clean sheet in nine games. Some argue he has a place by default only, but he remains in the top three.
John Terry
No longer the captain but still a giant in defending terms. Managed to upset Aston Villa and Martin O’Neill with his challenge on England team-mate James Milner at Wembley but has the incentive of leading the change to lift the Premier League trophy.
Rio Ferdinand
Maybe not having his most consistent season, a factor not helped by injuries. But with Terry remains one of the best central defenders in the world.

Ashley Young
Having an impressive season for Villa but suffered a second Wembley disappointment of the season at the weekend.

Steven Gerrard One of the first names on the list and crucial to any hopes of winning the World Cup. But he must be getting fed up with Liverpool’s underachieving.

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 77 internationals, his value is obvious. And at Wembley the midfielder scored his 22nd goal of the season for Chelsea, meaning he is enjoying his best ever return in terms of club goals.
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 Bimingham 5-1 at the weekend.
James Milner
In form for Villa having been a permanent feature of the Under-21s. Offers width and brains but suffered at the hands of a foul by John Terry in the FA Cup semi-final.
Wayne Rooney
The jewel in England’s crown with 34 goals in 46 games for club and country this season. Manchester United, like England, need Rooney fit but the sight of him failing to finish the game against Bayern Munich and missing the game against Blackburn filled every England fan with concern.
Jermain Defoe

Whether there is room for Rooney and Defoe in the same team is not clear, but the Tottenham man is the next best thing and is a must for South Africa. Returned for Spurs against Portsmouth at the weekend after four weeks out but was off the pace and lasted only an hour, which will be a concern for Capello.

Peter Crouch
Love him or hate him, you cannot criticize his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt. Not always first choice but he remains a great impact player.
-- 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. Sat out the game against City at the weekend - and saw team-mate Stuart Taylor concede five.
Paul Robinson
Has enjoyed a good season and since returning from injury has kept successive clean sheets against Portsmouth and Manchester United, against whom he made a
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. Now back on a regular basis.
Ashley Cole
If he is fit, the best left-back in the world is a certainty to travel. Doubts remain over the extent of his foot injury, though he is back in training.
Darren Bent
Loads of goals but he slipped like a Grand National faller at Upton Park on Saturday when faced with a chance to score. Could fight with Bobby Zamora, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole for a place on the plane.
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. Left out completely at the weekend.
Owen Hargreaves
His career has been in doubt, but the Canadian born midfielder is close to returning and could add to his 42 caps. Still waiting for his anticipated return.
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. After injuries, he is now getting an extended run and he is doing his best to show his pace could prove invaluable.
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. Has started the last three games for Chelsea.
Bobby Zamora
Previously wouldn’t have got a look in but Roy Hodgson has championed the Fulham striker’s cause. Scored another Europa League goal last week to deliver Fulham to the semi-finals

-- 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 and helping WBA win their place back in the Premier League augers well for the future. But not yet.
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 he is now back a place in South Africa is probably 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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Bring it back to blighty, a contender for the World Cup anthem this summer!!!

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Who is going to be on that plane to South Africa?

World Cup 2010: England players form guide - who will be in Fabio Capello's squad?


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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What is the World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body.

The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946, due to World War II.


The tournament consists of two parts, the qualification phase and the final phase (officially called the World Cup Finals). The qualification phase, which currently take place over the three years preceding the Finals, is used to determine which teams qualify for the Finals.

The current format of the Finals involves 32 teams competing for the title, at venues within the host nation (or nations) over a period of about a month.

In the eighteen tournaments held, only seven nations have won the title. Brazil is the most successful World Cup team, having won the tournament five times.


The current World Champions, Italy, follows with four titles, while Germany holds three. The other former champions are Uruguay (who won the inaugural tournament) and Argentina with two titles each, and England and France with one title each.


The most recent World Cup Finals were held in Germany, where Italy was crowned champion after beating France in the final

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