Who will be in England’s starting XI against the USA?

With the final warm up game complete and no further injuries to report,  England’s opening World Cup game against the USA is now just four days away. The 3-0 victory over the Platinum Stars will have given Fabio Capello food for thought as he attempts to finalise his starting XI for Saturday, although his continued experimentation on the field in yesterday’s practice match suggests that he may not have completely settled on his side just yet.

The most obvious of the Italian’s selection issues remains at the base of the formation, with his first choice goalkeeper still not entirely clear. Although it would be a bold move to hand him his competitive debut against the USA, Joe Hart’s impressive recent displays mean he deserves his chance. Robert Green has done nothing wrong but has become a victim of Hart’s outstanding form, whilst David James was one of only two players not to make it onto the pitch yesterday which gives the impression he is not in serious contention.

In front of Hart yesterday, Capello started with what will be his first choice back four, barring any injuries or major surprises. As expected, Ledley King was drafted in to replace Rio Ferdinand alongside John Terry in the centre of defence, and came through forty-five minutes unscathed, if somewhat less than challenged. The hope now is that his fragile knee can survive he remaining training sessions ahead of Saturday’s game, although he is unlikely to have to endure as rigorous a schedule as the remaining squad members.

Gareth Barry joined James on the sidelines yesterday and is out of the game against the States, thus forcing Capello’s hand in midfield. Joe Cole was the only player to get a full ninety minutes against the Platinum Stars and he may have played himself into the starting line up on the left hand side, allowing Steven Gerrard to partner Frank Lampard in the middle. The alternative would see Gerrard on the left with James Milner or Michael Carrick in the holding position, although this seems unlikely.

Up front, the Spurs duo of Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe did themselves no favours in a lucklustre first half, in spite of the latter’s early goal, and Capello’s decision to start Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney together for the second forty-five minutes might be telling. The anti-Heskey bandwagon has been gathering a lot of pace recently, but Capello obviously still regards him as the best foil for Rooney out of the options at his disposal.

So all things considered, here is our view on who will be taking to the field in Rustenburg on Saturday:

Joe Hart
Glen Johnson
Ledley King
John Terry
Ashley Cole
Aaron Lennon
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
Joe Cole
Emile Heskey
Wayne Rooney

Although he might suggest to the contrary in public, it is hard to imagine that Capello does not know his starting XI by now. However, the frustration he displayed on the touchline during the first half of yesterday’s game demonstrated the high standards he maintains, and some players may find that they have slipped below his minimum requirements. He will not tolerate any complacency and until the team is announced, every player will be keeping their fingers crossed.

What do you think? What, if anything, will Capello have learnt from yesterday’s game? Will he have settled on his side by now, or does he still have a surprise or two up his sleeve? As ever, let us know your thoughts.