As Fabio Capello plans for the World Cup, we look back at what he would have learnt from the latest round of Premier League games.
Star man
Jermain Defoe: The Tottenham striker not only became the first player in 10 years to score five goals in a Premier League game, but also put himself right at the front of the World Cup queue.
Defoe is a certainty to make Capello's 23-man squad but he's now pushing for a place in the starting line-up.
But for this to happen, Capello will need to change his fondness for playing a big man up front alongside Wayne Rooney.
Emile Heskey, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent have all been given a chance alongside the Manchester United striker while Defoe has been left kicking his heels on the bench.
He's clearly a bigger goal threat than his rivals but will need to keep banging in the goals on a consistent basis if he is to change the mind of a very stubborn Italian.
On the up
Aaron Lennon: The main supply route for Defoe as Spurs stuck nine past hapless Wigan.
After some poor performances at the start of the year, Lennon has begun to win Capello over and is now producing the sort of crosses he needs to match his incisive runs.
That said, the battle just to get into the 23 among right midfielders still has a long way to run.
Joe Cole: Another pushing for a place among Capello's midfielders, the Chelsea man continued his comeback from a long injury lay-off with one of the Blues' four goals against Wolves.
His more rounded game means he should be a shoe-in to make the 23, but only if he stays injury free.
Darren Bent: Written off by many following his performance against Brazil last week, the Sunderland striker popped up with another goal against a big four team to keep himself in the frame.
Problems ahead
David James: Another injury forced the Portsmouth keeper to miss Sunday's defeat to Stoke. Already on a warning from Capello that he needs to prove his fitness otherwise he will be left at home, further injury problems are the last thing the veteran needs.
Follow ITV Football all day on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itvfootball
