Who could be the seven unlucky losers?

May 31, 2010 03:30 pm | Updated November 28, 2021 09:11 pm IST

England's head coach Fabio Capello instructs his players during a team training session in Irdning, Austrian province of Styria, Wednesday May 19, 2010. The England soccer team is in Irdning to prepare for the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

England's head coach Fabio Capello instructs his players during a team training session in Irdning, Austrian province of Styria, Wednesday May 19, 2010. The England soccer team is in Irdning to prepare for the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

Dominic Fifield in Graz predicts the likely omissions from Fabio Capello's travelling party for South Africa

The Goalkeepers

Joe Hart Excellent against Japan, never troubled against Mexico but lack of experience may see him start as a back-up.

Verdict On the plane.

David James As the most experienced of the goalkeeping trio, would appear the natural first-choice in South Africa.

Verdict On the plane.

Robert Green Has not done much wrong and has usually been the first-choice over the past 12 months. Solid and dependable.

Verdict On the plane.

The Defenders

Leighton Baines Disappointed against Mexico and admitted to home-sickness, but Capello liked what he saw at Everton last season.

Verdict On the plane. Just.

Jamie Carragher Rarely put a foot wrong at right-back against Japan. Considered a back-up but is useful cover across the defence.

Verdict On the plane.

Ashley Cole Occasionally shaky against Japan, but still the best left-back in the country. Pace and attack down the flank is key.

Verdict On the plane.

Michael Dawson Appears to have been included to gain experience alone and was deprived of an international debut.

Verdict Staying at home.

Rio Ferdinand The captain has proved his fitness, if still displaying the odd flash of rustiness. Capello will be relieved to have him back.

Verdict On the plane.

Glen Johnson Remains prone to concentration lapses defensively, which is a concern, but is a fine marauding right-back in possession.

Verdict On the plane.

Ledley King Did not excel but still directs calmly and reads the game expertly. Pace on the turn could be a concern. A fine back-up.

Verdict On the plane.

John Terry Ferdinand's likeliest partner at the heart of defence and the coach will be anxious to have that pairing fit and available.

Verdict On the plane.

Matthew Upson A mainstay during qualification but something of a forgotten man now. Capello knows what he offers.

Verdict On the plane. Just.

Stephen Warnock Warmed the bench against Mexico and Japan. No opportunity to impress suggests he will not be involved.

Verdict Staying at home.

The Mid-fielders

Gareth Barry Will be assessed by a specialist ahead of the squad announcement. His worth has never been more evident.

Verdict On the plane, if fit.

Michael Carrick Anaemic against Mexico but Capello had seen enough to take him as back-up. Can count himself fortunate.

Verdict On the plane. Just.

Joe Cole Reminded of his abilities against Japan. Was energetic, skilful and offered creation and urgency to lacklustre side.

Verdict On the plane.

Steven Gerrard Concern over a knee injury sustained against Japan, but will probably adopt the central role vacated by Barry.

Verdict On the plane.

Tom Huddlestone Failed when starting against Japan, with his passing uncharacteristically sloppy and his speed on the turn exposed.

Verdict Staying at home.

Adam Johnson A five-minute cameo against Mexico was his first taste, but may be his last for a while. Represents the future.

Verdict Staying at home.

Frank Lampard Frustrated at missed penalty in Graz but sure to start with Capello insisting he remains first-choice spot-kick taker.

Verdict On the plane.

Aaron Lennon Offered thrust and pace against Japan in unfamiliar position on left flank. Most likely starter on the right of midfield.

Verdict On the plane.

James Milner Mexico proved he may be better in wide midfield but his versatility is attractive to Capello. Could even play right-back.

Verdict On the plane.

Scott Parker Not given a look-in. He could consider this to have been a wasted 10 days. Possibly deserved better.

Verdict Staying at home.

Theo Walcott Will travel because of pace he offers on the counter-attack. Promising against Mexico but inconsistent against Japan.

Verdict On the plane. Just.

Shaun Wright-Phillips Possibly the unluckiest of the seven to be omitted. Injected pace and intent against Japan but is inconsistent.

Verdict Staying at home.

The Forwards

Darren Bent A regular scorer for his club but too often peripheral with England. He has yet to score in six caps.

Verdict Staying at home.

Peter Crouch Scoring record suggests he should lead the line with Rooney at his back, though their lack of partnerships counters that.

Verdict On the plane.

Jermain Defoe Form drained away towards the end of the domestic season but he remains a poacher in the six-yard box.

Verdict On the plane.

Emile Heskey Capello recognises the worth Heskey has in creating space for Rooney to flourish. May even start against the US.

Verdict On the plane.

Wayne Rooney Everything about England revolves around Rooney at his best. He goes in carrying the hopes of a nation.

Verdict On the plane.

© Guardian News and Media 2010

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