WEDNESDAY’S friendly with Egypt represents England boss Fabio Capello’s final opportunity to run the rule over his players before he selects his provisional squad for the World Cup finals.
And with less than four months to go before the first ball is kicked in South Africa, Capello’s plans are in turmoil thanks to a combination of injury and indiscretion, such as the incident that led to Wayne Bridge announcing his international retirement yesterday.
Take a look at the current state of England’s first and second choice XI, and decide whether they deserve their position as second favourites for the competition.
Then, if you want to be really ghoulish, imagine what would happen if Wayne Rooney was to get injured between now and the middle of June.
DAVID JAMES
Off-field concerns
With his employers Portsmouth likely to enter administration later today, how can James possibly be in the right frame of mind for the rest of the season?
The club’s financial problems meant they couldn’t afford to play him for a month or so before Christmas. And while that situation has now been resolved, James will not be playing for a winning team in the run-up to the finals.
Alternative? ROBERT GREEN – Out of form at West Ham
GLEN JOHNSON
Injured
The Liverpool full-back has not played since damaging his knee ligaments against Aston Villa at the end of December.
He is expected to return at the start of next month, but that only leaves him with a month-and-a-half in which to recover the form he was displaying at the start of the season.
Alternative? WES BROWN – Out of form at Manchester United.
JOHN TERRY
Off-field concerns
Having been stripped of the captaincy following his marital indiscretions, Terry's place in the England side will now come under intense scrutiny.
His recent form for Chelsea has been wretched, and it remains to be seen whether a break in Dubai has helped him gather his thoughts.
Alternative? MATTHEW UPSON – Playing quite well for West Ham
RIO FERDINAND
Injured
It is typical of Ferdinand's season that, just a week before he was due to take over the permanent captaincy of his country, he was ruled out of Wednesday's game with a back problem. The Man Utd centrehalf has been beset with injury concerns this season, managing just six Premier League appearances in six months.
Alternative? JOLEON LESCOTT – Out of form at Manchester City
ASHLEY COLE
Injured / off-field concerns
Cole faces a race against time to be fit after damaging his ankle ligaments this month.
He should have recovered in time to play in South Africa, but his mental state could be questionable following a string of allegations that have resulted in the breakdown of his marriage.
Alternative? LEIGHTON BAINES – Completely untried at international level
AARON LENNON
Injured
Having sparkled in the first half of the season, Lennon has been sidelined since late December with a pelvic problem.
He is expected to return to Tottenham duties at the end of March, but any recurrence at that stage would almost certainly rule him out of South Africa.
Alternative? THEO WALCOTT – Out of form at Arsenal
GARETH BARRY
In form
Finally, Capello can be reasonably pleased with the fitness and form of one of his front line players.
Barry might not have set the world alight since joining Manchester City last summer, but he has been a reliable presence at the heart of midfield and continued to enhance his international credentials.
Alternative? OWEN HARGREAVES – Injured
FRANK LAMPARD
In form
Another player presenting no problems at the moment as he continues to impress at the heart of the Chelsea midfield.
He has scored 16 goals already this season – including three for his country – and is certain to be one of the first names on Capello's team sheet provided he stays fit.
Alternative? MICHAEL CARRICK – Steady but unspectacular
STEVEN GERRARD
Injury concerns
Fit at the moment, but suffered a succession of niggling injury problems in the first half of the season. Problems with his groin and hamstrings sidelined him at crucial periods for his club, and Capello will be shuffling nervously whenever Gerrard hits the turf in the next three months.
Alternative? JOE COLE – Out of form at Chelsea
WAYNE ROONEY
In form
On the evidence of the last few months, Rooney looks like forming a one-man England attacking unit in South Africa.
The Manchester United striker has been in the form of his life this season, and England's prospects increasingly look like being intrinsically connected to his well being.
Alternative? JERMAIN DEFOE – Playing well at Tottenham
EMILE HESKEY
Injury concerns
Like Gerrard, Heskey’s propensity for picking up injuries will be a major concern for the remainder of the season. The Aston Villa striker has suffered two groin strains and an ankle injury – and that’s just since the middle of December. Expects to be fit for the finals, but you wouldn't bet your house on it.
Alternative? PETER CROUCH – Playing well alongside Defoe
FIVE WILDCARDS WHO ARE IN FORM
JOE HART: The Birmingham goalkeeper could make a late push into the starting line-up
PHIL JAGIELKA: The Everton defender may have timed his comeback to perfection
TOM HUDDLESTONE: The Spurs man offers a physical presence at the heart of midfield
JAMES MILNER: The versatile Aston Villa star is making alate push for inclusion
DARREN BENT: The striker has continued to score despite Sunderland’s dip in form.
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