England World Cup squad: form guide for Fabio Capello's players for South Africa 2010

Fair bet: Michael Dawson's form has boosted his World Cup hopes

The countdown has begun for the World Cup finals in South Africa with England's expectations higher than at any time since Bobby Robson took the Three Lions to the semi-finals in 1990. But who will be charged with creating history? And who will spend the summer in their flip-flops sipping sangria?

Telegraph Sport looks at the World Cup 2010 hopefuls, their chances of making the plane to South Africa - and the men Fabio Capello will leave behind.

Capello names a preliminary 30-man England squad in May, followed by the final 23 on June 1.

-- ON THE PLANE

David James
The veteran goalkeeper is 40 in August but a place in the FA Cup final has given James fresh focus, which can only be good for England.

Robert Green
West Ham’s goalkeeper is 30 but has just nine caps. Some argue he has a place by default only, but he remains in the top three.

John Terry
No longer the captain but still a giant in defending terms. However, he was sent off at Tottenham as Chelsea suffered a potentially damaging defeat, and that after he had conceded a penalty - both in front of Capello.

Rio Ferdinand
Maybe not having his most consistent season, a factor not helped by injuries, as highlighted by his absence for the Manchester derby with a groin problem.

Ashley Young
Having an impressive season for Villa and had a big say in Sunday’s important 2-1 win at Portsmouth.

Steven Gerrard
One of the first names on the list and crucial to any hopes of winning the World Cup. But he must be getting fed up with Liverpool’s underachieveing.

Glen Johnson
Back in action, which is good news for England. Has proved his fitness since returning so must be a certainty for South Africa.

Frank Lampard
With 20 goals in 77 internationals, his value is obvious. And although Chelsea suffered a shock defeat at Spurs, Lampard was scoring again with his 23rd goal in what is his best ever return in terms of club goals.

Gareth Barry
Having featured in 27 of England’s last 29 games, there can be little doubt he will be in South Africa.

James Milner
In form for Villa after a permanent feature of the Under-21s. Offers width and intelligence.

Wayne Rooney
The jewel in England’s crown with 34 goals in 41 games for Manchester United. United, like England, need Rooney fit but he has emerged for only the big games recently and is clearly not fully fit.

Jermain Defoe
Whether there is room for Rooney and Defoe is not clear, but he is the next best thing and is a must for South Africa. Scored his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot - in ront of Capello - after recovering from a groin injury suffered in training 24 hours earlier.

Peter Crouch
Love him or hate him, you cannot criticize his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt. Not always first choice but he remains a great impact player. Started on the bench at the weekend after suffering from tonsilitis.

-- IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE

Joe Hart
A possible third choice goalkeeper, and moving to Birmingham has helped, but is fearful that he will have to spend next season on Manchester City’s bench.

Paul Robinson
Has enjoyed a good season but conceded three goals at home, against Everton, on Saturday.

Wes Brown
Dependable defender but currently injured. If he is fit, Capello will want him on the plane but time is running out.

Matthew Upson
The jury is still out on Upson. Having an average season for West Ham, but regarded as good cover for Terry and Ferdinand.

Michael Dawson
His performances have echoed Spurs’ success this season and a magnificent display against Chelsea at the weekend in front of Capello has pushed him up the ladder.

Phil Jagielka
Such a great prospect but his career was on ice when he suffered serious injury last April. Now back on a regular basis.

Ashley Cole
The sight of Cole on the bench, at Spurs, will have gladdened the heart of Capello, and he should start against Stoke at the weekend, the first of three games he has left to prove his fitness.

Darren Bent
Bent scored his 24th goal of the season on Saturday and now faces a fight with Bobby Zamora, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole for a place on the plane.

Leighton Baines
Potential cover for Ashley Cole and did not disappoint on his debut against Egypt.

Michael Carrick
Suffers by being a midfielder in a country that has Gerrard, Lampard and Barry, but offers good cover, even as an emergency defender. But cannot break into the United team at present.

Owen Hargreaves
His career has been in doubt, but the Canadian born midfielder is close to returning and could add to his 42 caps. Still waiting for his anticipated return.

Stewart Downing
Made the last World Cup squad and Capello has gone on record admitting he has been impressed by the winger.

Theo Walcott
A shock choice last time, but has not progressed as expected with injuries his biggest problem. Injuries have given him an extended run and he is doing his best to show his pace could prove invaluable.

Aaron Lennon
If fit, he is a must, but doubts persist over the winger’s groin strain. Is improving and nearing a return, but his injury is now a concern at Spurs.

Shaun Wright-Phillips
With Beckham gone, he has a chance but not even a regular at Manchester City.

Joe Cole
When he’s good he’s very good, and went to the last World Cup, but he struggles to make Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Was taken off at half-time at Spurs in front of Capello.

Emile Heskey
Heskey has his critics, just seven goals in 57 internationals is hardly impressive. Has been on the bench for each of Villa’s last four games.

Bobby Zamora
Previously wouldn’t have got a look in, but Roy Hodgson has championed the Fulham striker’s cause. And he has responded with his best ever scoring season in the top flight.

-- ON THE BEACH

David Beckham
Injured, saving Capello a dilemma.

Michael Owen
Another injury victim, but would probably have failed to make the squad.

Jonathan Woodgate
Had a fringe chance but injury ended that.

Joleon Lescott
Rated highly but injuries are threatening his place with the defender ruled out for the rest of the season, which puts his chances in serious doubt.

Wayne Bridge
Decided to quit international football. No chance of a U-turn.

Ben Foster
Capello likes the goalkeeper but, after starting the season, just one appearance for United this year.

Scott Carson
Promised so much and helping WBA win their place back in the Premier League augers well for the future. But not yet.

Ledley King
Too injury prone.

Sol Campbell
Arsenal have given him a second chance, and injuries are giving him a run, but surely too late for England.

Gary Cahill
A blood clot threatened his career and, though he is now back, a place in South Africa is probably too much to expect.

Carlton Cole
Too injury prone.

Tom Huddlestone
Got the call for the Brazil friendly, but needs another season.