Which England players did enough vs Japan to go to South Africa?

After England’s disjointed final friendly against Japan, coach Capello might be taking a second look at the Inter job after all. First though, he has to let some people go.

Fabio Capello will be announcing his squad for the World Cup on Tuesday. Quite how much information he gleaned from the fortunate 2-1 victory over Japan only the fierce Italian knows. But here’s our guess at the seven players who’ll be left behind on the tarmac.

Goalkeepers: All three go

Defenders: Baines, Warnock and Dawson all miss out, Upson goes, but only by default. There’s too much potential for injury amongst England’s back line to risk only taking six defenders. And if Capo Capello really likes Dawson as much as the press seem to think, why hasn’t he played him once?

Midfield: SWP, Huddlestone and Carrick lose out. SWP because he’s not as good as Aaron Lennon and because Walcott still seems to get the benefit of the doubt. Carrick and Huddlestone because they were on the fringes anyway and if anything have drifted out further. Parker makes the cut because he’s of more use in an emergency than either Carrick or Huddlestone.

Forwards: Darren Bent stays behind. Like Carrick and Huddlestone, he has failed to make a case as to why he should be taken.

Is this the squad that’s going to bring the World Cup back? England are still joint third favourites with Argentina at 7/1 after the Japan game.