Source: Daily_Mail
Why England stars are on the move in search of World Cup glory
Playing in the World Cup is the dream for most footballers and with just over 10 months to go until the finals kick off, a clutch of stars are switching clubs to boost their chances of booking a ticket to South Africa.
Peter Crouch and Darren Bent are on the verge of becoming the latest England internationals to move this summer, with a place in Fabio Capello's squad driving their decisions.
They will become the sixth and seventh of the England regulars to seal a deal but there could be plenty more to come. Keep your eye on the likes of Joleon Lescott, Ashley Young, Matthew Upson and, of course, David Beckham.
Here, Sportsmail looks at the men who have upped sticks with 2010 at the front of their minds.
Barry was desperate for a move away from Villa for a year and everyone thought it wouldbe to Liverpool. But a trip up the M6 has taken him to Manchester Cityand who could deny that the switch has improved his chances of starting in South Africa?
With the focus so often on Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, Barry is often theforgotten midfielder but his performances in the centre of midfield forEngland have been solid.
Now that he is playing among the elite atEastlands, he will surely feature prominently in the England set-up. Will emerge as a key figure if Owen Hargreaves continues to struggle with his fitness.
Darren Bent
Tottenham to Sunderland (£14m), caps 4 goals 0
Bent was roundly snubbed by Spurs fans last season - and he was their top scorer. He's that kind of player.
As if your manager telling the nation that his wife is better at football than you wasn't bad enough, a move to Sunderland is in no waygoing to guarantee a place in the national side. Yet, Bent will virtually be guaranteed to start at the Stadium of Light and if he start with a bang, he will be in contention.
He has featured for a few times for Capello but the performances haven'tbeen great and that slip against the Germans when he had the goal athis mercy was quite depressing.
Peter CrouchPortsmouth to Tottenham (£9m), caps 34 goals 16
Crouch is fast becoming an 'almost man' for England. Games, goals and wacky celebrations have made way for disappointment under the new regime as Capello has reintroduced the much maligned Emile Heskey to play as the target man.
The national side have been successful with the new system, so things are looking bleak for everybody's favourite lofty.
However, much of Crouch's success came when he was under the guidance of Harry Redknapp at Pompey, so he'll be hoping to rekindle his love affair with the national side.
Another player tipped for future greatness by Capello, Downinghas always had a successful career with England but Boro's relegation made his departure vital if he wanted to remain in with a chance earning a place in next summer's squad.
Downing has two obstacles to face. The first is that he will have tofight for his place in the Villa set up with Ashley Young and he will also have a huge battle to overcome injury as he is set to be sidelined until December. After that, he will only have limited games in which to impress the England boss.
For someone who had shown so much promise, things aren't quite working out for Hart. He had looked to be on his way to securing a regular spot in the England squad since emerging at Manchester City.
Named as club's No 1 brought a first England cap but the arrival of Shay Given sidelined him at Eastlands. Capello seems happy to give several goalkeepers a chance but Hart must believe a squad place will be his best bet after moving to Birmingham.
Glen JohnsonPortsmouth to Liverpool (£18m), caps 13 goals 0
Tipped as one of England's players of the future,Johnson has been hailed as the 'missing piece' of Liverpool's jigsaw byRafa Benitez and - at £18m - we can tell that the Spaniard was desperate for his services.
Johnson has proved to be a valuablemember of the England side when used by Capello and even provided fourassists in one match ... against Andorra, mind.
Players at Liverpool tend to have a better chance of selection as theyare at a 'fancied' club and with his pace and technical ability,there's a now a very good chance that he will start at right back in the World Cup.
Is this the year that Owen finally turns his faltering career around? The arrival at United has provided the backdrop to a possible renaissance of a man who must have feared that his England career was behind him.
Many believe Sir Alex Ferguson is taking a risk in signing Owen but with a proven track record for both club and country, plus the real chance of a spot in the England squad, this could be a deal that benefits everyone.
