The Fan

Who’s on the plane

The Editor — Thu, May 27th 2010

The Fan chooses its 22 for South Africa

With one more friendly against Japan before the World Cup, who should Capello take, and who should be staying at home?

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper could be realistically by any one of the 3 provisionally chosen - Green, James or Hart. In any case all 3 will be in the final squad.

Defence

In defence, it is the first choice line up would be Terry, Ferdinand, Johnson and Cole. Of these Ferdinand’s fitness is a concern, but the captain is likely to travel.

The fact that Carragher was tempted out of retirement and the fact the he can cover both centre- and full-back positions makes him a certainty. Upson and Baines are likely to provide the additional cover.

Forwards

Amongst the forwards, the decision is likely to be the easiest. Of the 5 attackers in the provisional squad, Darren Bent seems likely to miss out, leaving places for Rooney, Heskey, Crouch and Defoe.

Midfield

The England midfield is perhaps the position most up for debate.

Lampard and Gerrard are definite starters, but the remainder could all easily be shuffled into the team. On the right hand side, Walcott and Lennon are likely to force Wright-Philips out the squad.

Barry’s injury is obviously a concern for Capello [World Cup 2010 deadline for Gareth Barry extended by Fabio Capello]. I think he is likely to be taken to South Africa, but it probably gives an opportunity for another holding midfielder to stake a claim.

Carrick‘s form for England and Manchester Utd has been poor, and the rumours of Capello trying to tempt Scholes out of retirement suggest he too has concerns in this area. I’d take Carrick, though, as cover for the central midfield and in desperation centre-back.

I think in an ideal situation Capello would like to play Gerrard on the left, but Joe Cole will probably make the squad as an option.

Milner will make the squad for his versatility but I cannot see him forcing himself into any of the midfield positions as first choice.

The Wildcard

Adam Johnson is practically untried at this level, but I can see him making the squad as a wildcard - I can see Capello using him in the same way as he did Walcott when England took Croatia apart in the qualifiers.

Who’s watching on TV?

Which leaves the players missing out as: Dawson, King, Warnock, Huddlestone, Parker, Wright-Philips and Bent.

What do you think?

 

Listed in: Competitions, World Cup, Countries, England

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