After the thrilling conclusion to the Premeirship this weekend, the players have done all they can to impress Fabio Capello as he names his preliminary 30 man squad to represent England tomorrow, followed by trhe final 23 on 1 June.
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.
Have a go at picking your own 23-man England squad, then share it with your us, I am going to get my football mad son and husband to do it to see how they compare.
But who is going to be on that plane and who is fit enough, read on.....
-- ON THE PLANE
David James
The veteran goalkeeper is 40 in August and though Portsmouth are down, the chance to play in Saturday’s 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 has led Chelsea to an impressive finish, with a stunning 8-0 victory to confirm the title and now he has the chance to become the first captain in the club’s history to lead them to the coveted double. Surprisingly, there was no place for Terry in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
Ashley Cole
The return of Cole from injury has confirmed his fitness. He has completed three full 90 minutes coinciding with three straight clean sheets.
Rio Ferdinand
Surely he will be in the 30 at least, but doubts persist whether he is a certainty for South Africa. The defender completed 90 minutes against Stoke, his first full game in four. Like Terry, he was left out of PFA Premier League Team of the Year by his fellow professionals.
Ashley Young
Has had an impressive season for Villa and was instrumental in the club’s strong campaign.
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
Missing on Sunday with a calf muscle strain, but only a very minor set-back. But the former problem, with his knee, is cured so he is 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, yet he claimed his 27th goal of the season, in 50 games, as Chelsea confirmed the title.
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 but doubts over his fitness persist. Rooney won both the PFA Player of the Year and the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year but a groin problem on Sunday leaves fresh doubts over his fitness.
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 but looked off the pace against Bolton.
Peter Crouch
Love him or hate him, you cannot criticise his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt. Not always first choice but he remains a great impact player. Scored the goal that took Spurs into the Champions League.
-- IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE
Paul Robinson
Has enjoyed a good season but has conceded four goals in his last three 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. Won two player of the year awards at Spurs and heard “Dawson for England” echo around White Hart lane last week.
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.
Tom Huddlestone
Got the call for the Brazil friendly, and with Barry seriously doubtful, his chance may come.
Darren Bent
Bent has scored 25 goals this season 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.
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. Capello must be having his doubts as to whether to include the youngster, though his pace could prove invaluable.
Ledley King
Few could have anticipated his call-up but according to his manager, Harry Redknapp, he is a “cert” to go to South Africa. When fit, an outstanding defender, and the perfect cover for the defence.
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. Has gained some valubale end of season play.
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 eight 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, though an Achilles problem could work against him.
-- ON THE BEACH
David Beckham
Injured, saving Capello a dilemma. And not back until November.
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.
Gareth Barry
Having featured in 27 of England’s last 29 games, there can be little doubt he would have been in South Africa. But a sprained ankle, against Spurs, has ruled him out for four weeks and that appear to rule him out.
Ben Foster
Capello likes the goalkeeper but, after starting the season, he has made just one appearance for United this year. Though he was back on the bench for the last two games.
Scott Carson
Promised so much and helping WBA win their place back in the Premier League augers well for the future. But not yet.
Owen Hargreaves
His career has been in doubt, but the Canadian born midfielder finally returned, in the final minute, for United at Sunderland – his first appearance since September 2008.
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.
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