Capello's World Cup Dilemma

With the World Cup sneaking up on us, Rob Lloyd casts an eye over who should make Fabio's squad. Jack Wilshere?

As we enter February and the season draws ever nearer to its end, one question will receive more and more media attention. Who will be in England’s World Cup squad?

I think, without injury, the following will be the starting line up:
Joe Hart
Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole
Aaron Lennon, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard
Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey
Not a traditional 4-4-2, but more of a 4-2-3-1

The goalkeeper situation is obviously the most concerning for Capello. Options are limited, but Joe Hart, as well as being a very capable goalkeeper, seems to have the character that rises to the big occasion. The thought of England’s World Cup dream ending through a predictable David James “flap” haunts me every night. As long as James is fit and plays between now and the end of the season, he will be in the squad. Three goalkeepers usually get picked, so presuming James and Hart are in, I reckon the last spot is a straight fight between Paul Robinson and Rob Green. I have a feeling that Capello may go with Robinson. One quality you want in a backup keeper is that they have experience, in the event that they are called upon. Robinson has that in abundance, having already played in a World Cup. As long as the pitches in South Africa aren’t too bobbly, he should be okay…

Three goalkeepers:- Hart, James, Robinson

I believe Capello will take seven defenders. Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole are certainties. The remaining places are up for grabs. Wes Brown may well make it. He’s played in big games, he was Capello’s first choice right back for a while, he can cover at centre half, and he’s big and athletic. It would be surprising if he was to be left out. Matthew Upson has been in and around the squad for a while now and is a consistent and reliable performer. He is also likely to be involved. A big question for Capello is whether he takes another specialised left back to cover for Ashley Cole. Wayne Bridge has not played for a while and is ageing, whilst Stephen Warnock is inexperienced and has a tendency to make rash tackles. Kieran Gibbs could well be in with a shout if he regains fitness and form. I would be more inclined to say Capello will opt for Joleon Lescott. He can play left back, he has experience, and yet again, he’s big, strong and athletic, and also provides cover at centre half. Other players not to write off too early are Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Phil Jagielka. The latter two are injury plagued however I think Dawson will just miss out. One more name to mention who would be my outside bet—Sol Campbell—watch this space

Seven Defenders:- Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, Cole, Upson, Brown, Lescott

Onto the midfield – Lampard, Gerrard, Barry, Lennon, Joe Cole, Beckham, and Milner are certainties in my opinion—that doesn’t leave many spots open. Cover on the wings is needed. Capello will want some genuine pace on the bench and that leaves Walcott or Wright-Phillips. Only one of them will go. SWP is far more consistent, more reliable, less injury-proned, but Walcott has world-class talent somewhere inside him. If Walcott shows some decent form between now and the end of the season, I think he will go and SWP will miss out. Walcott can play upfront as well which would give Capello more options. Now for some big IFS. IF Owen Hargreaves gets himself fit, IF he plays enough games, and IF he recaptures his form from a couple of years back, he will go. He may even start. He can also play at right back and was England’s stand-out player four years ago in Germany. Other contenders may be Downing, Ashley Young, Carrick, and Huddlestone

Eight Midfielders:- Lampard, Gerrard, Barry, Lennon, Beckham, Milner, Walcott, Joe Cole

Strikers:- Rooney, Heskey, Crouch and Defoe will all go. That leaves one more spot. Darren Bent has scored plenty of goals but has never really done it for England. Capello isn’t convinced and he won’t go. Michael Owen is crap, so he won’t go. Agbonlahor has pace, but lacks that little bit of quality, so he too will miss out. Carlton Cole is most likely to be included. He can play the Heskey role, and his goal-scoring record is decent. Don’t rule out Bobby Zamora either. He has been outstanding this season and is a ready-made replacement for Heskey. He is likely to miss out to Cole though.

Five forwards:- Rooney, Heskey, Crouch, Defoe, Carlton Cole

So there we have it! That’s my prediction but a lot can happen between now and the end of the season. Form is a big issue but injuries will be Capello’s main concern. Also Capello may think it’s a good idea to pick someone random like Darius Vassell (nice one Eriksson) or a 16 year-old who has never even played football before because Arsene Wenger said he should (nice one Eriksson), but I would say this is doubtful!

Maybe not Jack Wilshere, then. Who do you think will go? Do you agree with Robs completely surprise-free squad? Have your say on the In Behind Facebook Group .