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With each World Cup it seems England’s chances improve. From our failure to qualify in 1994, to France four years later when Michael Owen became a full time England player and David Beckham introduced himself to world football in more ways than one. By 2002 both those players were established stars of world football and we looked among the best at the tournament. Indeed it took an enormous slice of luck for Brazil to overcome us, before rolling over Turkey in the semis and Germany in the final.

Next year’s tournament, then, provides us with a very real chance. To the 2002 team add Rooney, Terry, Robinson and Lampard. We also seem to have found a solution to the left sided problems in Joe Cole and hopefully Steven Gerrard will remain fit for the trip to Germany. Furthermore, the standard of opposition has continued to spiral downwards. Brazil’s attacking options have improved, but their defending hasn’t. Argentina and Holland also look good but, if Sven gets his team right, I still believe this could be our year.

If we are to trip up, again it will no doubt be because of the problems that have been highlighted in recent matches against Denmark, Northern Ireland and Austria. Perhaps Eriksson struggles with selecting the right squad players and the right system. There have been some surprise inclusions under the Swede which beg the question; who will go to Germany? The following is the analysis of just one concerned supporter.

Goalkeepers
Sven finally appears to have admitted defeat in the debate about David James’ reliability. Spurs’ Paul Robinson will, no doubt, go as number one. Recent squads have suggested that Chris Kirkland’s West Brom form have elevated his chances, but James’ experience may count in his favour when Eriksson makes his final choice. Robert Green may also ask for a transfer from Norwich in January, if he feels he has a chance. Kirkland’s proneness to injury may just provide it for him.

Right Back
Injury has denied Gary Neville at a World Cup before, so he will be doing his utmost to make it to Germany. Luke Young has shown considerable promise in recent matches, although he was at fault for Poland’s goal. Sven has said that Glen Johnson needs more games; he may seek to get them with a January move away from Chelsea’s reserves. Sven’s other options include the experienced Danny Mills and the seriously underrated Tony Hibbert at Everton.

Left Back
Personally, I am not a member of Ashley Cole’s fan club, but the Arsenal man was none short of fantastic at Euro 2004. Wayne Bridge will have to get passed Del Horno at club level if he is to take his chance to make the plane with some promising competition in the shape of Stephen Warnock, Paul Konchesky and Leighton Baines. One who Sven may be considering is Michael Ball. The former Rangers man is now playing Champions League football at last year’s semi-finalists, PSV Eindhoven. Whilst with Everton, Ball was Sven’s first ever pick for this position and he is still only 26.

Centre Backs
This may provide Sven with the biggest headache, as we are blessed with an abundance of talent in this area. Ferdinand, Campbell and Terry all look certainties. There is also the return to fitness of Jonathan Woodgate for Sven to consider. Jamie Carragher was magnificient for Liverpool last season and a defender of Ledley King’s ability would also be high on any manger’s wish list. Other names which will come up are Matty Upson of Birmingham and Fulham’s Zat Knight.

Midfielders
Many men with far more experience in the game than me have said that a game is won and lost in midfield. This may be where England trip up. On the right we have David Beckham, the best crosser of the ball in today’s game. His back up would appear to be Shaun Wright-Phillips, who has unbelievable pace that would frighten most defenders. On the left Joe Cole continues to improve his adaptability and in the middle Lampard and Gerrard are among the best in the world. Look beyond those five, though, and question marks start appearing. Why did Sven choose too play Ledley King in central midfield against Poland? Admittedly, the Tottenham man performed admirably and helped with Lampard’s game enormously, but surely we have better options. Phil Neville has been one of few bright sparks in an otherwise miserable season for Evertonians, whilst Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Alan Smith could be the new Roy Keane. What about Owen Hargreaves at Bayern Munich? Surely he is more suited to this holding midfield role than any of the others he has been employed in. Sven does have Michael Carrick to come back from injury, but it is slightly worrying that the manager felt that an out-of-position defender could do a better job in central midfield than any of our other options. Other names the Swede may consider to take with him to Germany are Kieran Dyer, Stewart Downing, Gareth Barry (all of whom could play on the left if required), Jermaine Jenas and Scott Parker. For a real outside bet, perhaps Joey Barton of Manchester City is worth a shout. His form so far this season has been impressive and, if it continues, there will be those shouting for his inclusion.

Forwards
England’s first choice front two will frighten opponents next summer. Rooney and Owen will both be better players than at the Euros. The former appears to get better every time he steps out onto a football pitch, whilst the latter will have learned much from his time training with the galacticos at Real Madrid. Many fans will be worried that Sven’s next option down is Crouch, but there is a whole season ahead of us, when the likes of Defoe and Darren Bent will look to impress. Should Charlton’s form nosedive again this year, Bent’s form may go with it. In this case Sven will pick from some of his previous employees. Darius Vassell is a very similar player to Dwight Yorke, whose career peaked when he partnered Andrew Cole in Manchester. James Beattie has been terribly unlucky with injuries, but he will come to fitness soon and will be eager to impress. Let us not forget Andy Johnson either, the Palace man will move in January in order to make it to Germany. Some outsiders may fancy there chances, as this is a position that relies heavily on confidence. One worth considering is David Nugent. The twenty year old Preston forward is making serious headlines and will almost certainly step up in the up-coming transfer window. If his effect on the top league is similar to Darren Bent’s than he will have a chance.

Three players that were included in England’s last World Cup squad have since retired from international football. Seven others, however, are still eligible to turn-out for their country and I have neglected to mention them in this article. Sven Goran Eriksson’s job is to find the twenty three best players from that seven, the forty seven I have named and many more. Rather him than me.