England squad - Likely Lads and outside bets

10 May 2010 14:48

With England's preliminary 30-man squad for this summer's World Cup set to be announced tomorrow, Sam Parker looks at the names in the frame to make Fabio Capello's first cut.

GOALKEEPERS

The three spots in the World Cup 23 will most likely go to Joe Hart, David James and Robert Green. However, Capello is wary of taking those yet to prove their fitness and David James' regular absence from the Portsmouth squad this season may be a cause for concern for the Italian.

The alternative is Paul Robinson. Dropped from the England squad altogether after a disastrous run of form, Robinson has been rejuvenated at Blackburn, playing a major role in them finishing in the top 10 this season. A fine shot-stopper, Robinson's handling from crosses has improved. If he makes the 30, Robinson has a chance to state his case.

Likely Lads: James, Hart, Green
Fingers crossed: Robinson

DEFENDERS

Ledley King looks to have won over Capello, having played three games in a week and proved his undeniable quality. Matthew Upson has been in most of Capello's England squads, so looks likely to claim a place as well.

Recent reports also suggest Jamie Carragher will come out of international retirement and slot straight into the 23. Versatility may count in his favour, although he's made it clear in the past he only wishes to be considered as a centre-back.

With Joleon Lescott injured, Michael Dawson looks the best choice of the remaining contenders. Capello may also be tempted to take Phil Jagielka, as his ability to cover at full-back position would be useful if Glen Johnson breaks down.

Leighton Baines has to be the best option to play second-fiddle to Cole at left-back, narrowly edging Stephen Warnock.

Likely Lads: Terry, Ferdinand, Johnson, A Cole, Upson, Carragher, King
Fingers crossed: Dawson, Jagielka, Baines, Wes Brown, Micah Richards, Gary Neville

MIDFIELDERS

Gareth Barry's injury may open the door for another central midfielder to travel to South Africa.

Michael Carrick looks the favourite. But whilst he may cope fine against weaker group stage opposition, he could be found out against harder pressing and aggressive teams, as he tends to go missing in those games.

Scott Parker has arguably produced his best season in the Premier league since his emergence at Charlton. Integral to West Ham's survival, his tough-tackling and fantastic passing ability should be the perfect combination to fill that holding role that Capello so desires. A notable mention must go to Tom Huddlestone as well, who has had his best season in a Tottenham shirt.

His range of passing is extraordinary at times, giving him the edge over Carrick.

Adam Johnson would also be a popular and bold choice, the young wideman having impressed at Manchester City this campaign.

Likely Lads: Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott, James Milner
Fingers crossed: Carrick, Parker, Huddlestone, Shaun Wright-Philllips, Adam Johnson, Joe Cole

STRIKERS

Up front has been another major talking point. Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch stand out as the obvious first four, so it remains to be seen whether Capello will take five forwards to South Africa.

If so, then Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora are scrapping over that final place.

Bent would be my tip for a spot on the plane. The Sunderland hitman is more likely to come up with a goal, with Zamora possessing a more all-round game, but lacking that clinical edge.

Likely Lads: Rooney, Defoe, Crouch, Heskey
Fingers Crossed: Zamora, Bent, Agbonlahor

- Sam Parker

Source: DSG