With World Cup fever catching the nation after a very favorable draw, I thought this week should be dedicated to 2010 in some way. I thought long and hard (that’s what she said….) about what to do, but i settled on picking ten players that are on the fringes of a place on Capello’s bench. In the next 5 months they will certainly have to show they deserve that accolade.

10. Scott Parker

West Ham have had problems this season for two reasons. Firstly their defence is a tad shaky, Upson looks poor, whereas they lost Collins to Villa and Neill to Everton.  Secondly, they don’t score enough goals. Scott Parker has been key for them this season and has kept them from crashing and burning by controlling the midfield in every game.

9. Paul Robinson

Robbo, at one point, look like a certain replacement for Seaman between the sticks, but one night in Croatia changed all of this. Personally I think  Jameo, Foster and Rob Green are all showing signs of loosing their bottle, while Robbo has nothing to loose. He  has experience and has shown that he is a decent keeper at Blackburn.

8. Gary Cahill

England have a wealth of attacking talent, but their back-line seems a bit week. John Terry has been average, Rio is a mess at the moment and Glen Johnson can’t defend. But will someone have to step in? Hopefully not, but Cahill is a player possibly up for the challenge. Despite Bolton’s poor form Cahil has stood out as their star player, adding goals and a bit of strength to Bolton’s play. A decent back-up I would say.

7. Jimmy Bullard

He is a hero and a character but….Joking aside Michael Owen – proven, experienced goal scorer. He will be essential in my eyes.

6. David Bentley

I have seen Bentley play a few times for Spurs this season and he is slowly building up the confidence that left after his first season at Spurs. Bentley for me is a natural replacement for Beckham, he has proved his passing and set piece capabilities, but he just lacks games and confidence. A long stint in Harry’s side may resolve this and give him a shot.

5. Tom Huddlestone

I honestly thought Spurs would part ways with Huddlestone in the summer but have been proven wrong. Instead the 23 year old has shown he is a key player in their midfield, linking midfield with attack with his astute passing. He hasn’t been so lazy this year, and I’m sure this improved work-rate will impress Capello.

4. James Milner

A player who was very much in the shadow of Wayne Rooney, showing at a young age that he is something special. However, unlike Rooney Milner’s career faltered with an average spell at Newcastle where he failed to take it to the next level. At Villa he is a new player; he is fitter, faster and his set pieces are deadly. A good end to the season and Milner will be in South Africa.

3. Gabby Agbonlahor

To me he still has a lot to prove. He will install pace into the side but will he score enough? Will he buckle under pressure? – He will have to answer these questions to Cappello and his critics.

2. Ashley Young

I think he will be one of the guys chosen to play left midfield, Gerrard and Joe Cole will be ahead of him however, so he will have to improve on his average form this year. The added pressure of a fit Downing  should fire Young into top gear.

1. Carlton Cole

Big, Big, BIG year for Carlton. The partnership slot with Rooney is wide open, but Defoe is currently in the driving seat. The problem is that England have shown that they need a point man and for me Cole is the guy for this. He is in the mould of Heskey, but he is more skillful and has more goals in him. I hope he can show his worth.

\\Please tell me any players you think are on the fringes of Englands World Cup Squad//

Related posts:

1. Talking tactics – England
2. Top 10 of the Week – What I have learnt at this World Cup
3. Top 10 of the week – One cap wonders!
4. Top 10 of the week (plus 1) – Team of the Year
5. Future England Legend?

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