Who's for the World Cup chop in Fabio Capello's England?

Leighton Baines Age 25 Club Everton Caps 2 Why he should go Fabio Capello was impressed with his form at Everton this season, where he has been a model of consistency as David Moyes's side recovered into the top half of the table. He would appear to be Ashley Cole's first-choice back-up and, if he can replicate his club form, would ally robust defending with marauding runs down the flank. His left-foot delivery, from open and set plays, is effective and can be superb. Why he may not go Has been exposed at this level in his two caps, most notably in the friendly against Mexico on Monday when he was granted little protection from midfield. His confidence appeared to dip as a result, his passing and positioning suffering, with an uncharacteristically error-strewn display. Verdict Still in position to make the cut. Just. Darren Bent Age 26 Club Sunderland Caps 5 Why he should go Scored 25 goals for Sunderland last season, an impressive tally which only the irrepressible Wayne Rooney can beat among England's forward ranks. Indeed, his scoring record at club level, even when struggling to hold down a regular place at Tottenham Hotspur, is wonderfully impressive in recent years. At his best, he combines the poacher's instinct with slippery approach play. Why he may not go Has been on the periphery in many of his international appearances to date, albeit often isolated with England struggling to regain possession, and has missed high-profile opportunities against the likes of Germany and Croatia. A tight hamstring prevented him training last week in the build-up to the Mexico match, denying him a prolonged period to impress the management. Verdict His only hope would be Capello deciding to take five out-and-out strikers, which is unlikely. Joe Cole Age 28 Club Chelsea Caps 53 (10 goals) Why he should go One of England's most natural talents, capable of playing wide or through the centre behind a forward, and with vast experience at this level. Carlo Ancelotti described him as a "genius" earlier this season, and he was the player who ensured Capello's team did not endure ignominy against the Czech Republic or, more notably, Andorra back in the summer of 2008. Why he may not go Form has been patchy at club level since he returned from a long-term knee injury, and he has not represented his country since the 4-1 win in Croatia some 20 months ago. Adam Johnson might constitute more of a wild card to unsettle opponents, with the world aware of Cole's underlying qualities. Verdict Needs to impress against Japan to persuade Capello to go with his experience over Johnson. Michael Dawson Age 26 Club Tottenham Hotspur Caps 0 Why he should go Outstanding for Spurs towards the end of the season, when he and Ledley King formed a superb central defensive partnership instrumental in the club's fourth-placed finish. Dawson is an old-fashioned English centre-half, brave and committed, and his positional awareness and judgment are improving. The best of England's younger centre-backs. Why he may not go Capello has crammed more experienced centre-halves into his squad and may still prefer Matthew Upson, a mainstay through qualification, in the final cut given that Dawson has yet to make his debut at this level. Was always an outside bet. Verdict Unlikely to go to South Africa. Tom Huddlestone Age 23 Club Tottenham Hotspur Caps 2 Why he should go Could be England's most disciplined option to replace Barry until his ankle ligaments have recovered fully towards the end of the group stage, and was impressive as Tottenham charged into a Champions League qualifying place towards the end of the season. Keen to break up opponents' approach play, hefty in the tackle and possesses a vicious shot from distance. Why he may not go Only two caps and there are concerns still over an apparent lack of pace on the turn. Can appear to be a lumbering presence. Trickier forwards could cause him problems dropping off the front line into the area he has to patrol, and Barry's return would render him peripheral. Verdict Still young, but this tournament may have come too soon. Adam Johnson Age 22 Club Manchester City Caps 1 Why he should go He is this squad's complete unknown quantity, which makes him a potential threat to unwary opponents. Johnson had shown flashes for Middlesbrough in the top flight before impressing more consistently in the Championship earlier this season. That confidence was transposed to the race for a Champions League place at City, with the winger – operating largely from the right – excelling, slaloming into the area to torment full-backs or cutting inside to shoot at goal. Impressive, with time on his side. Why he may not go He is effectively in direct competition with Joe Cole, a more experienced performer with the ability also to play centrally, and this tournament may have come slightly too soon. Capello noted his naivety in failing to tumble under a challenge in the penalty box on Monday; would he do the same in a World Cup semi-final if tugged back? Verdict An exciting prospect with an outside chance. Scott Parker Age 29 Club West Ham United Caps 3 Why he should go West Ham's best player through a trying season. The midfielder is all tigerish energy, charging from box to box whether it be in practice sessions or in matches. He is more bustling than Barry, retaining that instinct to venture forward when possible where the Manchester City player is content to sit back, but he could stamp his authority and personality on occasions. He has impressed in training. Why he may not go Yet to kick a ball in anger under Capello having not been capped since 2006, and was only included in the squad given the concerns over Barry, the absence of Owen Hargreaves and a late spurt of form that kept West Ham in the Premier League and could not go ignored. The manager may have concerns over his discipline, with 10 yellow cards and a red accrued over the course of the season. Verdict His charge may have come too late. Stephen Warnock Age 28 Club Aston Villa Caps 1 Why he should go Leighton Baines wilted at left-back on Monday night and, if Warnock can seize an opportunity against Japan, he could yet thrust himself into contention to be Ashley Cole's understudy. His early-season form at Aston Villa was excellent, even if it dipped in the run-in, and he is an eager, attack-minded full-back at club level. Why he may not go His England career to date amounts to six minutes against Trinidad & Tobago, and his form was patchy towards the end of the campaign as Villa heaved their way to the finish line. He was a surprise choice for the 30-man squad, and may be astonished himself to make the slimmed-down party. Verdict May have to wait to make his mark. Shaun Wright-Phillips Age 28 Club Manchester City Caps 30 (6 goals) Why he should go Has done relatively well in cameos for Capello, scoring against Belarus and Egypt at Wembley this season, and can be direct, tricky and energetic when at his best. He also retains the potential to switch to the opposite left flank if required, and is a useful – and relatively regular – scorer at this level. Why he may not go The same old criticisms are still applied to his game, an inconsistency in delivery infuriating management and team-mates, and he is effectively up against the livewire Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott for a position on the right of midfield. In the circumstances, he is likeliest to be squeezed out. Verdict Too much competition for his inclusion.