City's England hopefuls

With Fabio Capello lining up to name his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup tomorrow, I thought I'd take a look at the members of City's squad with a fighting chance of making the squad.


Gareth Barry

Barry would have been our only dead-cert for making the England squad if it wasn't for his unfortunately timed injury. An important part of the qualifying campaign and a regular starter under Capello, he had an integral role in the manager's plans fo this summer. This could still work in his favour. If he is out for three to four more weeks, as is reported, then it will leave him with just over a week before the finals begin. As one of Capello's trusted men, Barry might be a gamble worth taking - he would more than likely be fit enough to feature in the final group games - but the England doctors will be watching him closely.

Chance of making the final 23: 60%


Joe Hart

The PFA goalkeeper of the year has been the top performing English goalkeeper this year by a stretch and this should give him a spot on the plane. Due to my complete lack of confidence in the other keepers, I would also say he should at least be pushing to be the no.1 for the tournament - but Capello will probably view his inexperience as detrimental on such a big stage.

Chance of making the final 23: 85%


Adam Johnson

The man everyone is talking about. It has been a whirlwind three/four months for him and whilst everyone would've thought it too late for anyone to stake a claim for a call-up, Johnson has done just that. He offers a left-sided midfield option that is currently missing from the national squad - Downing is the only specialist for that position who has had a previous call-up (the others are all right-footed central midfielders) and according to the Observer review of the season at the weekend, a Villa fan described him as their worst player this season. So I don't see why not. He was in the provisional squad for the Egpyt game and Capello has already hinted he will make the 30 so that he can get a closer look at him. Whether he makes the final 23 will largely be down to how much he can impress him over the coming month.

Chance of making the final 23: 50%


Joleon Lescott

Unlike Barry, Lescott will certainly be fit for the start of the tournament. But the major factor weighing against him is that he hasn't played since March 14th away to Sunderland. He was discovering his best form for City at the time and really looked to be on his way to the World Cup - he also had the benefit of being an option for a troubled left-back spot. However, since falling off the radar, players such as King, Dawson, Jagielka and Carragher have made strong claims (or late appearances) for the same position. The injury was such bad timing for him and I'm afraid he will be left disappointed.

Chance of making the final 23: 20%


Micah Richards

A complete longshot at one-point, a no-hope now. Unfavoured by Capello, a complete void of right-backs may have worked to his advantage. In the Egypt game, when Wes Brown was the only 'right-back' in the squad, Micah was almost in contention by default, but the return of Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher, coupled with niggling injuries and a lack of game time, should mean he can book his holidays without too great a risk.

Chance of making the final 23: 5%


Shaun Wright-Phillips

It has been a very frustrating 2010 so far for Shauny. Pushed out of the starting eleven by Adam Johnson, angling for a new contract whilst not getting any game time to prove himself, is not exactly the way he would want to prepare for a World Cup summer. After missing out on 2006 at the very last minute, he has every right to worry it will happen again. In his favour, Capello seems to like him and he has produced some good displays in recent England internationals - scoring 2 in the last 3 internationals. He is mostly employed as an impact substitute, so maybe his breakneck run for Bellamy's goal against Villa will have been enough to remind the selectors about why they might want him there.

Chance of making the final 23: 60%


And finally, if I were England manager, this would be my 30-man squad:


Goalkeepers

Joe Hart
David James
Rob Green


Defenders

Glen Johnson
Jamie Carragher
Ashley Cole
Leighton Baines
Michael Dawson
Ledley King
John Terry
Rio Ferdinand
Phil Jagielka
Matthew Upson


Midfielders

Adam Johnson
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Gareth Barry
Theo Walcott
Aaron Lennon
James Milner
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
Joe Cole
Tom Huddlestone
Michael Carrick


Strikers

Wayne Rooney
Peter Crouch
Jermain Defoe
Darren Bent
Emile Heskey
Bobby Zamora


Oh, and Richard Edghill on stand-by in case Glen Johnson gets injured again.