Latest World Cup News

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ERIKSSON: ENGLAND CAN WIN WORLD CUP

Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed England to win the World Cup next year - provided the pressure on the team does not build to "ludicrous" proportions.

The Swede, who is now director of football at League Two club Notts County, guided England to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup in Germany but has tipped Fabio Capello to take the team all the way in South Africa next summer.

He told The Observer: "The expectation is going to be huge. But I really think they can do a great World Cup, (get to the) semi-finals or final. England has a good chance and I hope they reach the final and win it. They can do it, for sure.

"But the pressure on Brazil and England is bigger than any of the other countries.

"There is pressure on the Italians. But not like here. The pressure is from a combination of the media and the public. On one hand it's ludicrous. But it's dangerous.

"I wished when I had the job that I could calm it down. Not a chance."

Meanwhile, Eriksson reiterated that no specific promises on player recruitment were made to Sol Campbell, the England defender who quit Notts County just one game into a five-year contract.

Eriksson, who admitted contact had been made with the agents of Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari, said: "(Campbell) said something about the players not coming in, but he was never promised any other players.

"He was very much aware of the project and that it would take time. We want to build our own training ground, we want to make an academy, we want to do everything the best we can. But you don't do it over a weekend."




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VILLA OUT OF SPAIN QUALIFIERS

David Villa has been ruled out of Spain's final two World Cup qualifiers with a muscle tear in his right leg.

The Valencia striker suffered the injury in his side's 1-0 win over Racing Santander on Sunday.

The club confirmed on their official website the injury is likely to keep him out for three weeks, meaning he will miss Spain's meeting with Armenia on Saturday and with Bosnia-Herzegovina the following Wednesday.

That prognosis would also see Villa miss Valencia's Primera Division game with champions Barcelona on October 18.

Spain have already qualified for the World Cup, having won all eight of their qualifiers to date to sit top of Group Five.


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NO ENGLAND PLACE FOR THEO WALCOTT

Fabio Capello has ignored the advice of Arsene Wenger and decided not to hand Theo Walcott an instant recall to the England fold.

The Arsenal star returned to first-team duties earlier on Sunday after a back problem and marked the occasion with a goal in a six-goal romp against Blackburn.

Wenger claimed he would have no problem if Walcott was then called into Capello's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against the Ukraine next Saturday and Belarus at Wembley the following Wednesday.

However, Capello has adopted a cautious approach and decided against drafting the 20-year-old into his squad for the first time this season, even though England have already booked their place at next summer's finals in South Africa.

In fact, despite predictions of mass experimentation, Capello has not made many changes at all.

The absences of Jermain Defoe and Ben Foster have been put down to injury, a hand in the case of the Tottenham man, with Manchester United's goalkeeper ruled out with an unspecified problem.

It leaves Ashley Young as the only player to miss out without an obvious excuse, his despair in contrast to the ecstasy of Gabriel Agbonlahor, who is recalled along with experienced duo David James and Rio Ferdinand, who have both had their injury problems in recent times.

James has missed five successive internationals after deciding to undergo shoulder surgery in the summer.

Since then, his career has been thrown into turmoil by the saga that has unfolded at crisis club Portsmouth.

Meanwhile 30-year-old Ferdinand has been hindered by a succession of calf, thigh and groin injuries over the past nine months, the latest coming during the friendly draw with Holland in August.

That was one of only two appearances for the Manchester United star in England's past nine internationals - the other coming against the Ukraine at Wembley in April.

The introduction of Agbonlahor is the most noteworthy inclusion though.

With Defoe ruled out of Capello's plans on Friday, before he turned out as a substitute in Tottenham's draw at Bolton 24 hours later, and the timing of Michael Owen's latest injury ensuring he could not be considered, the Aston Villa striker has been catapulted back into the reckoning.

A star at Under-21 level under Stuart Pearce - a key figure in Capello's coaching team - Agbonlahor started the friendlies in Germany and Spain last season, but seemed to have dropped out of the reckoning since, especially as Defoe has been in such fine form.

However, Capello has stressed more than once nothing is certain as far as his squad for South Africa is concerned and Agbonlahor will hope for a chance to catch the eye at some point over the next 10 days, although he must first get through Monday night's encounter between Villa and City.

Capello will be at Villa Park, no doubt with his fingers crossed, given seven members of his 24-man squad will be involved before they meet up on Tuesday.

England: Robinson (Blackburn), Green (West Ham), James (Portsmouth); A Cole (Chelsea), Terry (Chelsea), Johnson (Liverpool), Bridge (Manchester City), Lescott (Manchester City), Brown (Manchester United), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Upson (West Ham); Milner (Aston Villa), Lampard (Chelsea), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Gerrard (Liverpool), Barry (Manchester City), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Carrick (Manchester United), Lennon (Tottenham); Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Heskey (Aston Villa), Crouch (Tottenham), C Cole (West Ham), Rooney (Manchester United).


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PORTUGAL RETAIN RONALDO HOPE Portugal 2/11, Draw 9/2, Hungary

Portugal remain hopeful star forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Saturday.

The £80million man missed Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Sevilla at the weekend with an ankle problem but is set to return for his country who are trying to secure at least a play-off place to reach next year's finals in South Africa.

National team physio Henrique Jones told Spanish newspaper Diario AS: "We are optimistic with his sprain. We believe he will be fit for Saturday, but on Wednesday or Thursday he will undergo an ultrasound to gauge his progress."

Portugal are third in Group 1, three points behind group leaders Denmark and two behind Sweden, who currently occupy the play-off spot. Hungary are level on points with Carlos Queiroz's side but have scored one goal fewer.



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LIPPI GOING ALL OUT FOR WIN Italy

Italy need just one point to qualify for the World Cup but coach Marcello Lippi insists they will be playing to win in Ireland on Saturday.

The world champions lead Group Eight, four points clear of the second-placed Republic with two games remaining.

"It's very important for us to qualify on Saturday," said Lippi. "Not only from my point of view but for everyone involved.

"This is the most important week for us in the last two years.

"There are two results out of a possible three that will benefit us in Dublin.

"We need a point but it will be a mistake to play for the draw, we have to play our game."

Italy end their qualifying campaign against Cyprus in Parma next Wednesday.

"If we don't get the result in Dublin then we will go out on Wednesday to claim three points," said Lippi.

The veteran coach lost his cool when asked about Antonio Cassano's continued absence from the squad.

Local media and Azzurri fans have called for Lippi to get the Sampdoria star back in the national side.

"I'm fed up with this question," said Lippi, who offered no further comment on the subject.

Cassano was in in Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad but ever since Lippi returned to guide the national team, the forward has not featured for Italy.

Cassano does have a reputation for causing trouble on and off the pitch but his supporters say that he has matured in his two seasons at Samp.

The Azzurri will be without captain Fabio Cannavaro for this weekend's showdown with the Juventus defender serving a one-match ban.

Juve midfielder Claudio Marchisio is doubtful for the encounter as he is struggling with a minor knee injury.




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MENDES BACK IN PORTUGAL SQUAD World Cup 2010

Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes has been recalled to the Portugal national squad for their games against Hungary and Malta after more than a year in the wilderness.

The former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder, 30, has not played for his country since 2003, with his last call-up coming in August 2008.

The European giants are struggling to qualify for next summer's World Cup in South Africa as they lie third in Group 1, level on points with fourth-placed Hungary.

The double-header of home fixtures will determine their fate and boss Carlos Queiroz has named a strong squad, despite a number of injuries.

Malaga striker Edinho returns to the squad, while midfielders Tiago, Nuno Assis, Duda and Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa hope to shake off knocks in time to feature.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start against Hungary after recovering from the ankle injury which kept him out of Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Sevilla at the weekend.

Portugal are relying on Sweden to drop points from their corresponding final two games to advance to the play-offs, where they could expect to be seeded.

Squad in full:

Beto (Porto), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting) Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Cesar Peixoto (Benfica), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Rolando (Porto) Deco (Chelsea), Duda (Malaga), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Raul Meireles (Porto), Tiago (Juventus), Nuno Assis (Vitoria Guimaraes), Pedro Mendes (Glasgow Rangers) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting), Nani (Manchester United), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Edinho (Malaga)



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TRAPATTONI: NO FEARS FOR REPUBLIC

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not fear any team if he is pitched into a play-off battle with a World Cup place at stake.

However, the 70-year-old Italian feels the rules should be changed to allow all nations to compete on an even playing field after FIFA's announcement last week the runners-up showdowns will be seeded.

The Republic, who could yet win Group 8, will secure second place at least if they manage to claim two points from their final two games against leaders and world champions Italy and Montenegro in the next eight days.

But, with the likes of France and Portugal among those countries with bigger reputations struggling to qualify, they are unlikely to be among the seeds.

Trapattoni said: "We know what sort of team we are, we know which position we are in the ranking.

"But, for me, it is not important because big teams can lose. Now I am sure our team is confident and, in football, anything can happen.

"If Italy lose the last two games, maybe we qualify (automatically). But if we go into the play-offs, we have high morale and we can compete with any team.

"Up until now, in every game we have improved. In the last game against South Africa, we played well and we won.

"If we play in the play-offs, we will not be afraid of any team.

"For me, it is not important because we can play against good teams - we will see on Saturday against Italy.

"I am confident against all teams."

The decision not to have an open draw, however, has not gone down well in the Republic of Ireland and, for all his confidence that they will give as good as they get if they land a two-leg shoot-out against one of Europe's aristocrats with a trip to South Africa at stake, Trapattoni has called for the rules to be changed.

He said: "In the future, FIFA and UEFA have to think about changing this rule.

"Four or five years ago, the big teams - like Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid - wanted to create a super league, but it was dangerous for football and they gave up on it.

"That would have been the death of football. It was football for eight teams and the others are dead.

"This situation in the future must change, because every country has the right to qualify.

"This draw must be open to give the same opportunity to everybody."

In the meantime, all his side can do is attempt to avoid the play-offs by defeating the current holders at Croke Park on Saturday evening and then repeating the feat against Montenegro next Wednesday, while hoping Marcello Lippi's men slip up at home to Cyprus in their final game the same night.

But the reality is a draw in Dublin will send Italy, who have a four-point advantage at the top of the group, straight into next summer's finals and leave the Republic with work still to do.

The Irish have been dealt a significant blow by the news Fulham winger Damien Duff is out with a calf injury, while Blackburn's Steven Reid and Manchester United's Darron Gibson have joined on-loan Middlesbrough striker Caleb Folan on the casualty list.

Trapattoni caused fresh raised eyebrows by drafting QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands into the squad rather than turning once again to in-form Andy Reid, although he was quick to insist yet again the Sunderland man has not fallen permanently beneath the radar as a result of their infamous spat in Germany.

He said: "I have seen him, I follow Andy Reid - I also follow Lee Carsley, Steven Reid. But, at this moment, we have a good squad of 25, 26, 27 players.

"I don't forget the others but, at the moment, the team is playing well and we are achieving results. That is also important.

"Against Manchester United, he (Reid) played well - and he played better the game before.

"But, at the moment, he is playing wide left. He played against John O'Shea and played well.

"At this time, we have Aiden McGeady, we have Andy Keogh, we have Liam Lawrence - we have others in this position.

"At the moment, the players are playing well. But, in the future... I don't forget these players. I don't forget also Stephen Ireland. He is important."




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GABBIDON MISSES OUT FOR WALES

Wales have lost defender Danny Gabbidon from their two World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Liechtenstein over the next week.

The West Ham player has pulled out with a calf injury that has stopped him training for the past fortnight.

It is a bitter blow for Gabbidon, who has been easing himself back to top-level action this season after being dogged by injuries for two years with persistent injuries.

Gabbidon made his Wales comeback against Montenegro in August, and also figured against Russia last month, but he is now out of the Finland clash in Helsinki on Saturday and next Wednesday's final qualifier in Liechtenstein.

Wales will also make a decision on Wednesday over the fitness of Cardiff's midfielder Joe Ledley.

Ledley is suffering from a pelvic injury and had a scan on Tuesday to assess the problem. Ledley will now see a specialist, with the likelihood that he will now also miss the Group Four qualifiers.

Skipper Craig Bellamy reported to the squad's team hotel on Tuesday evening and is fit to travel, despite worries that he had picked up a knee problem while scoring for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Monday.

Cardiff defender Adam Matthews is out of the under-21 squad to face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Wrexham on Saturday with a foot injury.

There are also doubts over Plymouth's Darcy Blake (virus) and Bristol City's Christian Ribeiro (groin). Under-21 coach Brian Flynn has called up Leicester's Elliott Chamberlain and Swansea's Daniel Alfei.

The FA of Wales have still not been able to formally confirm their proposed friendly with Scotland in Cardiff on November 14, despite the FAW council agreeing to the match - to be played at Cardiff City's new stadium - earlier.

It is understood that the Scottish FA are still completing the contract details and an announcement is now expected on Wednesday.



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ITALY TO OBSERVE MINUTE'S SILENCE

A minute's silence will be observed prior to Saturday's World Cup qualifier between Italy and Ireland in Dublin for the victims of the Messina disaster.

Mudslides on October 1 near the Sicilian city of Messina have left 24 dead and 705 people homeless.

There will also be a minute's silence before the match against Cyprus in Parma on October 14.

Italy's players will wear black armbands in both matches.



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GOMIS CALLED IN FOR RIBERY


France have called up striker Bafetimbi Gomis for their crucial World Cup qualifiers as a replacement for Franck Ribery.

The 24-year-old, who has already won four caps, was added to the squad after star player Ribery pulled out with tendinitis in his left knee.

Les Blues take on the Faroe Islands on Saturday and Austria next Wednesday, but they face a tough task if they are going to avoid finishing second in Group Seven, which would leave them to fight it out in the play-offs.

Raymond Domenech's side are currently four points behind group leaders Serbia, who only need a win against Romania to secure qualification for South Africa.

As well as the absent Ribery, France will also be without Yoann Gourcuff for their crunch games, leaving two of their most creative players sidelined.

Meanwhile, defender Sebastien Squillaci is a doubt for Saturday's game after he suffered a rib injury in Sevilla's 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the weekend.




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France's Steve Mandanda determined to catch Serbia

France’s stand in goalkeeper Steve Mandanda still believes his country can qualify for the World Cup automatically.

Serbia currently sit four points above France in Group Seven with two games remaining, meaning France need a minor miracle in order to qualify in top spot.

"It's still feasible. We still believe," Mandanda said. "Nothing is over. We're going to fight for it until the end.

"We're depending enormously on Serbia but we have to first win our two matches and hope for the opposite from Serbia.

"Anything can happen. We have to believe. We have to win our matches and then we'll see.

"There's still all to play for, Serbia don't have that easy matches to play.

"We all have an aim and that's to get the France team to South Africa. Everyone needs to push for the same thing."

 

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World Cup Qualifying Preview: Ukraine - England

Kick-Off: Saturday, October 10, 17:15
Dnipro Arena, Ukraine

All to play for

Ukraine go into Saturday's clash against England with everything to play for as they seek to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Oleksiy Mykhaylychenko's men know that six points from their final two Group 6 matches will secure them second spot and a place in the play-offs at the expense of Croatia.

With Ukraine overwhelming favourites to come out on top against Andorra next Wednesday, this is likely to be the game that decides their fate.

Qualification to the play-offs is still possible if they don't secure maximum points in these two matches, but only if the Croats fail to beat Kazakhstan; in the meantime, Slaven Bilic's side will be desperately hoping England can do them a huge favour.

Two games to go

For England there is the rare luxury of having already secured automatic qualification, with eight wins in as many games.

Of course, with Fabio Capello at the helm, the squad will not be allowed to slack off at all, while it remains to be seen whether the Italian will offer fringe players a chance to impress, or if he will stick to his tried and trusted players who have brought him success so far.

It is still a target for Capello to win ten out of ten games in this qualifying group, so if the Three Lions win on Saturday, they would be expected to complete the job at home to Belarus in midweek.

Wayne Rooney underlined the importance of the game to Capello, telling the BBC: "Fabio has said the next two games are the most important games of the group.

"Although we've qualified, he wants us to go into the two games looking for the six points and nothing less. We know these matches are important… there are not many games before the World Cup starts so we will try to do our best in them.

"The pressure is not really off us, we are now playing for a World Cup place so there are important games for us all."

Online appeal

This game has also hit the headlines because it is the first ever England match to be shown exclusively live online in the UK. Setanta Sports had held the rights to show all England away World Cup Qualifiers, but the rights for their remaining games went back on the market after the company’s demise.

As none of the major television networks were willing to pay the asking price for the match, supporters will have to pay a one-off fee to watch the game live on the internet.

FORM GUIDE

Ukraine

Belarus 0-0 Ukraine
Ukraine 5-0 Andorra
Ukraine 2-1 Kazakhstan
Croatia 2-2 Ukraine
England 2-1 Ukraine

England

England 5-1 Croatia
England 6-0 Andorra
Kazakhstan 0-4 England
England 2-1 Ukraine
Belarus 1-3 England

TEAM NEWS

Ukraine

Barcelona defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy is Ukraine's main absentee due to injury, while Andriy Rusoland and Vitaliy Mandzyuk are both also out. However, Dynamo Kyiv duo Taras Mykhalyk and Oleksandr Aliev do return.

England

Robert Green is battling to retain his place as goalkeeper, with the returning David James an option. Rio Ferdinand is hoping to be fit to partner captain John Terry in central defence. Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill could win his first cap from the substitutes' bench.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ukraine - Andriy Shevchenko

'Sheva' has bagged five goals in this qualifying campaign, making him the second top scorer in Group 6. Due to his struggles at Chelsea, Shevchenko always feels that he has a point to prove against English opposition, and indeed it was he who scored Ukraine's one goal at Wembley back in April.

England - Wayne Rooney

The Manchester United star has been on fire for England during this qualifying campaign, netting nine times in eight outings, comfortably making him the group's top scorer, and indeed the top scorer in Europe. Given his impressive start to the season at club level, you wouldn’t bet against him reaching double figures.

PREDICTION

Ukraine know that a victory will effectively secure them a play-off berth, which they would surely have taken when the draw was made.

England are hoping to win all ten of their qualifiers, which would be a remarkable achievement, but it remains to be seen how much they will want victory, and in an intimidating arena.

It is tough to split these teams and all three results are possible. I'll go for a score draw, meaning England would stay unbeaten and Ukraine would have to wait until the final day to learn their fate.

 

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BECKS IMPRESSED BY COMPETITION

David Beckham believes there is greater competition than ever before in the England squad ahead of the World Cup finals next summer.

Fabio Capello has just five matches to fine tune his plans before the tournament gets under way in South Africa on June 11.

But Beckham admits a look around the England dressing room after their 3-0 home win over Belarus at Wembley spelt out to him the amount of talent Capello has at his disposal.

And the former Manchester United midfielder points to a willingness to improve amongst the current crop of players as a key factor in England's hopes of lifting major silverware for the first time since 1966.

Beckham said: "The qualifying campaign has been exceptional and all the players, who have played the majority of this campaign, have been exceptional.

"I would think the manager will be more than happy. We've qualified sometimes in the last game for tournaments but this time in every game every player was excellent.

"We've gone away to grounds where we've found it tough in the past, and performed and got the results.

"But it doesn't end there. We have to keep performing in every game we play leading up to the World Cup and every time we meet up."

Beckham added: "We have to be focused and ready. We've been exceptional but the good thing is when we've played exceptionally, we've worked hard - but also tried to rectify the mistakes we've made and to improve on the good parts of the game.

"That is the great thing about the squad. They want to carry on improving even though we are winning games."

Beckham added: "Is there more competition than ever before? Definitely. The manager wanted players from all squads he has selected to come down for the Belarus game.

"When you looked around the changing room and saw the players, then you realise there is so much talent in the squad and so much talent waiting to come in the squad.

"There is massive competition in the squad for places and that's why we all know we have to perform when we do play."

Beckham was voted man of the match against Belarus after his appearance as a substitute during the second half.

He also came close to grabbing his first goal for his country at Wembley but shrugged off that unwanted statistic and insists his newly grown beard is remaining.

Beckham said: "It's not important that I haven't scored at Wembley. Of course, I'd love to score. I scored at the old Wembley with Manchester United so it is not important.

"As for the beard, it will stay. Everyone keeps telling me to cut it off so I am going to keep it for a while.

"I can't be bothered to shave. It is as simple as that. No reason behind it, no advertising campaign. That's it. Simple, I can't be bothered to shave."


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CROUCH CONTENT WITH ENGLAND ROLE

Peter Crouch is ready to let his goals do the talking as he bids to win a World Cup place - because no player would dare confront Fabio Capello about team selection.

Tottenham striker Crouch has put his case forward with 16 goals despite making just 17 England starts, although he knows Capello's preferred shape in attack is Emile Heskey being supported by Wayne Rooney.

On the one hand Heskey provides space for Rooney and Steven Gerrard to exploit, while on the other Crouch provides more of a potent threat, and his last six starts have yielded the same number of goals as Heskey's entire international career - seven.

Crouch admits he is just happy being part of 'plan B' and cannot complain as Capello's disciplined regime has led to qualifying for the World Cup in emphatic style.

"If we were losing games I could go and speak to the manager. But I'm not going to be the first one to argue with him!" Crouch said. "I will leave him to it, he picks the team and the team has done fantastically well.

"I want to be playing all the time for England, it's a dream to play at Wembley and wear the number nine shirt, but when called upon I will continue to do what I have done.

"Emile's situation is one of those things and the manager picks the best team he sees fit. I can't argue too much because the record in qualifying has been very good.

"The team has done fantastically well and Emile has played the majority of those games. I will do as well as I can - a couple of goals against Belarus have hopefully helped."

This week's game against Belarus, when Crouch scored twice, was Capello's chance to look at alternative tactics should the Rooney-Heskey axis be broken up.

The competition for supporting roles is hotting up, with Jermain Defoe missing with a hand injury, Carlton Cole and Gabriel Agbonlahor playing their part in setting up goals for Crouch at Wembley, and Darren Bent in goalscoring form. Michael Owen will want a say in the selection process too.

"I would prefer to be plan A than plan B," Crouch said. "The manager has to continue to pick his team and I just have to give him something to think about, which is what I've done.

"I feel confident, I've never let anyone down. Whenever I've come in I've scored goals and played well."

Crouch will be hoping for a decent run in the Spurs team leading up to South Africa. Robbie Keane and Defoe have been Harry Redknapp's first-choice pairing so far this season, with four of Crouch's five strikes coming in the Carling Cup.

"Maybe I'm not starting every game at Tottenham, but I'm at a top, top club and with the squad we've got we can really compete and do well," Crouch said.

"The manager [Redknapp] has brought me in and he's going to play me. I know I will get a good share of games and I think we'll be doing well in the league."

Next for Crouch is a trip back to Portsmouth, the club he left in the summer.

Crouch, Redknapp, Defoe and Niko Kranjcar will be returning to their former club, who have faced financial uncertainty in the last few weeks.

"It will be a tasty game and a hot atmosphere," Crouch said. "There are quite a few of us going back - it's like Portsmouth old boys."

Pompey fans could be hostile towards Redknapp, but Crouch said: "Harry did fantastically well for Portsmouth, he was probably the best manager in their history. He won the FA Cup and took the club into Europe. It's understandable the fans are angry he left them and joined another club, but that's football.

"Portsmouth got a great deal of money from Tottenham for Harry and all the players that left. They have spent it wisely and I hope they stay up."



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CAP HAS OPEN MIND ON FINAL SQUAD

Fabio Capello will not even think about filling in the blanks on his World Cup wallchart until next April.

The England coach believes he has seven spaces still to be occupied, with Wednesday's night's goalscorers Peter Crouch and Shaun Wright-Phillips both on this list of possibles rather than probables.

A game of second-guessing is already underway, with various theories being put forward for the precise list of 23 men who will carry England's hopes in South Africa next summer.

It is a futile task though. For the man himself is not even going to think about it for six months.

"At this moment it is impossible to speak about 23 players who will be with us in South Africa," said Capello.

"I have my ideas but next April I will have to check how they all are.

"Sometimes at the start of a season, the players are strong. At the end they are tired. That will make a difference.

"It is not just about being fit. Psychologically they need to be right as well. Only once I know what that situation is can I decide on the seven players who will stay with us."

Given the build-up to England's previous two World Cup finals campaigns were completely dominated by the broken metatarsals that ultimately did not stop David Beckham or Wayne Rooney play but badly restricted their effectiveness, Capello is right not to start planning too soon.

A pattern is developing though.

For instance, it is impossible not to conclude Ben Foster will get a ticket instead of Joe Hart given the under-pressure Manchester United keeper did not even receive a call-up until Sunday afternoon, only to then gain his third cap ahead of Hart once David James had pulled out.

If Capello's private thoughts about James Milner's performance at left-back were similar to his public ones, the Aston Villa man's flexibility could get him to South Africa ahead of Wayne Bridge, even if Joe Cole finds form and fitness for Chelsea.

"Milner did well," said the Italian.

"He is a really good player. He can play midfield, winger, left-back or right-back. He can play in every position apart from centre-forward and centre-back. That is very important."

So far, so easy to read. David Beckham can safely be shunted up from the possibles to the probables once another short-term loan at AC Milan is agreed.

The former skipper may be too old in the eyes of some. But the 34-year-old retains an unerring ability to make things happen.

Capello has noted a continuing ability to have an impact, no matter how limited Beckham's time on the field that will not be ignored now the Italian's plea has been heard and a temporary exit from LA Galaxy has been agreed.

"I spoke with David and told him if he wants to come to the World Cup with us, he has to come over here and play," revealed Capello.

Even a downbeat assessment of Crouch's contribution brought an inescapable thought the Tottenham man would miss out, although that eye-catching scoring record - four in three competitive starts for Capello and 16 from 17 overall as part of a scoring record of 18 in 35 internationals - is a rate that even Wayne Rooney cannot match and will count in his favour on judgement day.

It is little asides that are harder to interpret.

Wright-Phillips appears to be scrapping with Aaron Lennon for one spot. As the Manchester City winger completed the full game last night, and scored, the night seemed to have gone in his favour.

There is a but.

"At the moment we got the corner, I told Wright-Phillips he had to go towards Beckham," revealed Capello.

"He went. He received the ball. He shot and scored.

"I was happy for this and he did well. But I don't know why I had to tell him. He needs to see these things alone."

An inability to think and react quickly is a weakness not easily rectified. Capello will wrestle with such issues until April, in addition to pouring over twice-weekly medical bulletins from now until the end of May.

It promises to be an anxious few months. The sense of starting again will only be enhanced by a break after next month's friendly with Brazil in Qatar that means Capello will only have his squad together for three days ahead of a friendly on March 3 in a six-month spell between November and May.

Capello can do little about that. All he can do is acknowledge, after nine wins from 10 and 34 goals scored, qualification could not have gone any better.

"No," he agreed, before correcting. "Just perhaps if we played 11 versus 11 in the Ukraine."



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LAMPARD: CAPELLO LIFTED ENGLAND

Frank Lampard admits England's players hit "rock bottom" before Fabio Capello arrived and lifted confidence by taking them to the World Cup in style.

Lampard was part of the Steve McClaren team that failed to reach Euro 2008, but they have bounced back under Capello and reached South Africa with nine wins from 10 qualifiers.

"We have come a very long way," said the Chelsea midfielder.

"Confidence was rock bottom when we failed to qualify. I know it has happened a few times before, but when England don't qualify it is a low point.

"We are a top nation with top players and we should be qualifying. We were almost on the floor but have picked ourselves up, and credit to the management and all the players. We have turned it around and qualified in style."

Capello's men sealed their place at next year's tournament with two matches to spare when they defeated Croatia last month, with the Italian putting an emphasis on discipline to get the best out of his players.

"Looking back, we always had a team of very good individuals but maybe we didn't play collectively as well," added Lampard.

"The manager has brought a real discipline and organisation of play on and off the pitch. Looking back, that was needed to continue and make us even better.

"Now it is time to make that extra 10 per cent and go to the World Cup and have a right go at it."

The 31-year-old has seen belief injected into the squad but he feels his team-mates also have the experience to deal with the inevitable hype.

"Maybe this is the most confident we have felt - it is hard to compare eras," he said.

"We went to the Euros in 2004 and felt pretty confident.

"There is a similar situation now, but we have got more experienced players - and the team has been through a lot together. I hope that gives us the edge, but that will only be seen next summer."

With Chelsea looking to stop Manchester United winning four Premier League titles in a row, it has the potential to be a massive year for Lampard.

"Potentially this could be the biggest year of my career," he said.

"It is a big season at club level, as they all our now.

"It is a big season with the World Cup at the end of it, and that is the biggest tournament out there. We are going pretty well and have given ourselves a great chance.

"For me personally to be involved in that and be successful, I will look back and hope I can say it was one of my best."




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HUNT: REPUBLIC CAN BEAT BIG GUNS

Stephen Hunt has warned the World Cup play-off big guns that the Republic of Ireland are ready to claim a big scalp.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men may have to do exactly that for the first time since they effectively dumped Holland out of the same competition eight years ago if they are to reach next summer's finals in South Africa.

The unseeded Republic will face either France, Portugal, Russia or Greece in next month's play-offs, and there are differing opinions on just who they would prefer.

But whoever they get, midfielder Hunt is confident they can get through after coming within three minutes of a famous victory over world champions Italy on Saturday evening.

Asked if Ireland can beat a side of the stature of France or Portugal, the 28-year-old said: "Of course we can. I know we haven't beaten one in a while, but we definitely can.

"We should have beaten Italy on Saturday and we gave away a goal in the last minute, but we might learn from that.

"If we do score with three or four minutes to go, then we will definitely be sharper and more aware of what we have to do to win the game.

"We are unbeaten and after the last campaign, we would have snatched your hand off for that.

"We are confident. Whoever we get, it's going to be difficult. But hopefully we can come out going to the World Cup. That will be the difference between success and failure."

Ireland ended their Group Eight campaign with a whimper on Wednesday night when a much-changed side drew 0-0 with Montenegro at Croke Park.

It was their sixth draw of the campaign, to go with the four they earned against Italy and Bulgaria, with victories home and away against Cyprus and Georgia providing the bulk of their 18 points.

But now preparations will begin in earnest for next month's showdown with a huge prize at stake.

Ireland, like the other eight sides battling for the four remaining European tickets to the finals in the play-offs, will discover their fate on Monday when the draw is made in Zurich.

Assistant boss Marco Tardelli ventured the opinion earlier in the week that surprise 2004 European champions Greece might be the team to get, but Hunt admits all the possible options will be tough.

He said: "They are all quality teams, but Russia, you don't know what you are getting.

"Do they play on a plastic surface as well? I would rather avoid that, to be honest with you, because they are used to the surface and we are not.

"What kind of boots do you wear? It's a difficult one.

"Whoever we get will be difficult, but listen, we are looking forward to the play-offs."



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SEEDS CONFIRMED FOR PLAY-OFF DRAW Click here to follow us on Twitter!


France, Portugal, Russia and Greece have been confirmed as the seeded teams for Monday's World Cup play-off draw.

The quartet, who all finished second in their respective European qualifying pools, earn their seeded status due to being the top four of the eight play-off teams in the latest FIFA world rankings.

The unseeded pot includes the other four best runners-up - Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia.

Raymond Domenech's France are the top-ranked play-off team in ninth, one ahead of Portugal who clinched second place in Group One on Wednesday. Carlos Queiroz's side have risen seven places in the rankings thanks to their positive end to the qualifying campaign.

Guus Hiddink's Russia, who finished second in Group Four behind Germany, slip six spots to 12th while 2004 European champions Greece lie 16th.

Ukraine, who spoiled England's perfect qualifying record with a 1-0 win in Dnipropetrovsk last Saturday, are the top-ranked unseeded team at 22nd with Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic 34th, Bosnia-Herzegovina 42nd and Slovenia 49th.

At the top of the FIFA world rankings issued on Friday, Brazil have maintained a slender advantage over European champions Spain, Holland and world champions Italy - who topped Groups Five, Nine and Eight respectively.

Germany dropped one place to fifth while Argentina, who clinched their place in South Africa from the South American qualifying zone with a 1-0 win over Uruguay in Montevideo on Wednesday, climb two places to sixth.

Hosts South Africa (85th) and North Korea (91st) are the only teams from outside the top 50 who will be present at next year's event.




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FIFA TO INVESTIGATE MARADONA RANT Click here to follow us on Twitter!


Diego Maradona could have compromised his role in Argentina's World Cup build-up after FIFA announced they are to investigate his conduct in a reportedly obscene television interview following his side's 1-0 win over Uruguay.

The win saw Argentina confirm their qualification for the finals next year and, after a period of prolonged criticism of his tenure, Maradona responded with some choice words in his post-match questioning.

FIFA have confirmed they will be looking into the incident and if found guilty, they could present him with a five-match ban - something that would significantly disrupt his planning for South Africa.

President Sepp Blatter, speaking in Cairo, said: "The media reports we have received so far leave us with with no alternative but to ask the disciplinary committee of FIFA to open a case against the coach of Argentina, Diego Maradona."

FIFA are understood to be investigating the colourful 48-year-old's comments as a potential breach of Article 58 of their disciplinary code.

The relevant passage reads: "Anyone who offends the dignity of a person or group of persons through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words or actions concerning race, colour, language, religion or origin shall be suspended for at least five matches. Furthermore, a stadium ban and a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss Francs shall be imposed."






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BILEK IS NEW CZECH COACH

Michal Bilek has been appointed as the new coach of the Czech Republic.

The 44-year-old had been assistant to former national team boss Ivan Hasek, who resigned last week after failing to lead the Czechs to qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Hasek, also chairman of the Czech Football Association, proposed Bilek as a possible successor.

The association's executive committee unanimously approved Bilek as coach today, it was confirmed in a statement on the Czech FA's official website.


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