So we can pretty much book our tickets now then can’t we? Grab your passports and swimming shorts because after Wednesday nights 6-0 thrashing of the might Andorra, England have all but confirmed there place at the World Cup Finals in South Africa next year. All we need to do is get four points from our remaining fixture to absolutely guarantee qualifying, but a win over Croatia in September should be enough, with no need for last minute Gary Lineker goals in Poland or goalless draws in Rome too!
Seven wins from seven and top goal-scorers in Europe have seen England rise to 6th in the FIFA rankings and third favourites for the crown next summer (behind Spain and Brazil). But who will be representing the three lions under Fabio Capello in Africa next summer? Well, true to a feature I used to love in long forgotten footie magazine Total Football, here’s a rundown of who’s in the running to be named in England’s squad for the 2010 World Cup Finals.
One the Plane – The dead certs heading to South Africa
David James
Still fully established as England’s number one despite his age and the fear one mistake is just around the corner. But without a dramatic lull in form next season should hang onto the shirt going into South Africa.
Glen Johnson
England’s first choice right-back, even if it is by default has had a great season but questions remain about his defending against the very best. Especially when the Kazaks got the better of him on a couple occasions at the weekend.
John Terry
Captain, not my choice but captain all the same and his leadership will be vital for England even with his lack of pace on the big stage
Rio Ferdinand
Simply matured into one of Europe’s best defenders and should be Fabio’s first defender on the team-sheet. Hopefully can enjoy an injury-free season going into next summer.
Ashley Cole
Say want you want about him, and believe me I have, he’s back to his very best at the moment. Which is good news for England because Cole’s still one the world’s very best in his position.
Frank Lampard
Will always pop up with a vital goal even if he does tend to go missing in some games. Fabio seems to have finally put the Lamps/Gerrard issue to bed for now and even the boo-boys have left Frank alone.
Steven Gerrard
It’s a shame we can’t play Stevie in the same position he does for Liverpool but even so Gerrard is a genuine World Class player and his developing partnership with Rooney could ruin defences next summer.
Gareth Barry
The only player to have started every game under Capello and goes about his job quietly but effectively. Maybe found wanting though when England face better opposition.
Wayne Rooney
Just shades Stevie G as our best player and greatest hope for 2010. The fact that he’s scoring more consistently for England makes him easily our number one threat and 2010 could be his World Cup.
Emile Heskey
Now that everyone is concentrating on what Emile does for the team and not his goal-scoring record, it shows want an integral part of Fabio’s team the big man is.
Theo Walcott
Still living off the hat-trick in Croatia, Theo will need to work on his final ball to become the player Fabio thinks he can be. At the moment the England boss see’s enough potential to constantly pick him on the right, even if some don’t.
Nearly there – Should probably not book a holiday off next summer
Rob Green
Two games against pretty average opponents has told us nothing about Green we didn’t already know. Still edging out the other contenders as back-up to David James.
Wayne Bridge
Now no longer a part-time footballer, a full season on City’s left hand side will be enough to see Bridge go to South Africa as Ashley Cole’s understudy yet again.
Matthew Upson
Hasn’t put a foot wrong when asked to come in for Terry or Ferdinand but will have to continue his good club form to make sure he’s still third-choice. His lack of European football is the only worry – but that could change.
Joleon Lescott
I’m a big fan of Joleon and offers back-up to both centre back and left-back if need be. He’ll be looking to head the pack of understudies for the middle of defence though.
David Beckham
Yes he’s 34 but as shown last night (maybe only in glimpses), he’s delivery is still the best around. He’s experience will be vital for Fabio, the only worry is if and where Becks will be playing come the end of the MLS season.
Stewart Downing
Despite being relegated and not scoring last season, Downing remains a favourite with Capello and is one of very few players who can play on the left. Needs a good move this summer to ensure he makes South Africa.
Ashley Young
Clinging on in there but will need another good season and prove he’s got what it takes to bring his club form onto the international stage.
Peter Crouch
Remains a different option and is first in line to back-up Heskey in the ‘big man’ role up front for England. His international record speaks for itself whoever he’s scored against.
Jermain Defoe
I still don’t think he’ll ever be an international striker, but in his super-sub role he’s handy to stretch defenders with his pace and eye for goal.
