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England to be top seeds

Capello's options for South Africa

Published: Friday, 16 October 2009, 2:16PM

The competitive action is complete. Now England have only four more matches before South Africa.

That is 360 minutes for Fabio Capello to decide which players will make his 23-man squad - and the ones who might as well book their holidays. .

Here we assess the choices Capello is likely to make.

GOALKEEPERS

At this stage, Capello seems set on his three goalkeepers. David James will be number one choice. But his only action since March was as replacement for Robert Green, who was sent off in Ukraine. That was Green's seventh successive start, which surely earns him a spot. Surely it was equally significant that Ben Foster was catapulted into the squad for Belarus when Green was suspended, and then played the entire 90 minutes ahead of Joe Hart.

PROBABLES: David James, Robert Green, Ben Foster.

POSSIBLES: Paul Robinson, Joe Hart.

ON HOLIDAY: Chris Kirkland.

DEFENDERS

If Capello takes an extra striker, as he is expected to, he needs some flexibility in other areas. Joleon Lescott and Wes Brown both have plenty of experience at full-back, as well as central defence. The preferred back four is set in stone. Matthew Upson is first-choice central defensive replacement. Gary Neville and Wayne Bridge, who was not impressive last night, might find there is no need for orthodox full-back back-up.

PROBABLES: Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Ashley Cole.

POSSIBLES: Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge.

ON HOLIDAY: Gary Neville, Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate, Micah Richards.

MIDFIELD

Bit of a minefield on the right. If David Beckham goes, only two of Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips accompany him. Lennon was in front, but Wright-Phillips closed the gap at Wembley last night. The fitness of Owen Hargreaves may have a direct effect on the chances of Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick. Like Hargreaves, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing have time to prove their fitness - while James Milner's appearance at left-back last night was significant.

PROBABLES: Theo Walcott, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard.

POSSIBLES: Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, James Milner.

ON HOLIDAY: Ashley Young, Stewart Downing.

ATTACK

The debate over Emile Heskey is futile. If fit, he will go - whether he is playing regularly for Villa or not. Jermain Defoe will tick a box if he keeps scoring. Peter Crouch needs to cross his fingers. Even toes might not be enough for Michael Owen.

PROBABLES: Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe.

POSSIBLES: Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Gabriel Agbonlahor.

ON HOLIDAY: Michael Owen.