With just 36 days until the start of the World Cup this summer, national team managers across the globe are making their final decisions over who travels to the showpiece event in Brazil.
England boss Roy Hodgson has been encouraged to name a youthful-looking squad, but a number of experienced players are expected to be involved, with the final list due to be submitted at the start of next week.
Here, following much deliberation, Sports Mole has selected its 23-man squad for the tournament.
GOALKEEPERS
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Caps: 39 Goals: 0
After a loss of form saw him benched by Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini earlier this season, Hart has returned to star for the Citizens during the second half of the campaign. His performance during the recent 3-2 victory over Everton showed that he is capable of making crucial saves at vital moments.
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Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)
Caps: 6 Goals: 0
Having been convinced to end his self-imposed international exile by Hodgson, many regard Foster to be best equipped to act as Hart's understudy. It's not been a great season for West Brom, but without Foster between the posts, they could well have been playing their football in the Championship next term.
Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Caps: 1 Goals: 0
The Scottish Premiership may not be the highest standard of football, but to go 1,256 minutes without conceding a goal - as Forster did earlier this season - is some achievement. He's also shone against the likes of Barcelona in the Champions League and has more big-game experience than Norwich City's John Ruddy, who is also thought to be in contention for a place on the plane.
DEFENDERS
Phil Jones (Manchester United)
Caps: 9 Goals: 0
The fact that the Man United youngster can play at centre-back, right-back and in central midfield makes him a useful pick for an international tournament. Arguably not a starter, his energy and enthusiasm off the bench could prove crucial. If his shoulder injury rules him out, we'd take Everton's John Stones in his place.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
Caps: 10 Goals: 0
At a push Smalling can operate at right-back, although he is far more comfortable at centre-back. While a number of his Man United teammates have struggled for form this term, when given a run in the side, Smalling has not let anybody down.
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Caps: 23 Goals: 2
There were doubts about Cahill's ability to play for a top club when he moved to Chelsea in 2012, but since then, he's defied the doubters. His performances alongside John Terry at the heart of the Blues defence have seen him become England's most senior centre-back.
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Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Caps: 24 Goals: 1
With Terry and Rio Ferdinand deciding to retire from international football, Jagielka has grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Under David Moyes's guidance at Everton, the 31-year-old was viewed as a solid defender, but with Roberto Martinez now in charge, he's shown his ability in possession.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Caps: 22 Goals: 1
Since the 2002 World Cup in Asia, Ashley Cole has been England's go-to left-back. However, Baines's form over the last two years for Everton cannot be ignored and he is now the man in the number three shirt. His ability to score from set-piece situations may also end up proving to be profitable.
Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Caps: 1 Goals: 0
Some will argue that Cole's tournament experience should see him head to Brazil as back-up to Baines, but it would be difficult to leave Shaw behind. He may only be 18, but, with one eye on the future, the full-back's positive performances in a Southampton shirt this season have proved too tempting for us.
Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
Caps: 50 Goals: 1
He may not have covered himself in glory as Liverpool recently threw away a three-goal lead at Crystal Palace, but it shouldn't deter from the fact that Johnson has had a good season. He's better than his competitor for the right-back position - Kyle Walker - both defensively and offensively.
MIDFIELDERS
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Caps: 109 Goals: 21
Aside from that slip, Gerrard has spearheaded Liverpool's assault on the Premier League title with real authority. No longer a midfielder that spends the 90 minutes darting from box to box, the skipper now has a more reserved role, which allows him to pull the strings with his passing ability.
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Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Caps: 8 Goals: 0
The 23-year-old struggled initially to live up to the reported £20m price tag that took him from Sunderland to Liverpool, but under Brendan Rodgers's guidance, he has flourished. The energetic midfielder has looked more assured in possession and has even started to add goals to his game.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Caps: 3 Goals: 0
It has been a real breakthrough season for Everton midfielder Barkley, with the 20-year-old making 38 appearances for his club. He made his senior England debut towards the end of last year and in short, simply must be in the squad. There are few – if any - English midfielders that possess his drive, power and turn of pace from a central position.
Adam Lallana (Southampton)
Caps: 3 Goals: 0
At the start of the season, few would have had Lallana in their travelling party for the World Cup. Now the question is where will he start? The 25-year-old has scored 10 times in 41 games for Southampton this season and has been one of the standout performers in the entire league. His movement and terrific ability on the ball will be a key asset this summer.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
Caps: 14 Goals: 3
Injuries have restricted Oxlade-Chamberlain's involvement for Arsenal this season, but he is another that must make the trip this summer. The fact that the 20-year-old can play in a number of positions across the midfield is a big attraction for Hodgson, while he is the type of player that is not daunted by the big occasion. The former Southampton youngster is unlikely to be a starter, but could prove to be a key squad member should England advance into the latter stages.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Caps: 103 Goals: 29
A surprise choice for many, 35-year-old Lampard is currently heading for the exit door at Chelsea, but has proved on a number of occasions that he is a player for the big occasion. The veteran has netted 29 times in 103 appearances for his country and would provide experience in what is expected to be a youthful-looking midfield. He isn't the player of four years ago, but has still scored eight times for his club this season.
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Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Caps: 15 Goals: 0
Wilshere is another that has divided opinion and while it is fair to suggest that the Arsenal midfielder has struggled to fulfil his early promise, injuries have harmed his progress over the last 12 months. When fit, however, the 22-year-old has proved to be a key player for his country. It is expected that the former Luton Town youngster will return to action for his club this weekend and it should just about be enough to convince Hodgson of his spot on the plane.
James Milner (Manchester City)
Caps: 45 Goals: 1
It would be fair to admit that the Manchester City midfielder is not everyone's favourite, but the 28-year-old is a big asset to England. Like Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner has shown that he can perform in a number of different midfield positions and is arguably more tactically aware than more talented teammates on the ball. It would be a surprise if the former Leeds United youngster were in Hodgson's XI, but he is certain to be a key member of the squad.
ATTACKERS
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Caps: 89 Goals: 38
Despite a poor Premier League season for Manchester United, Rooney has still scored 17 times in 29 league games for the club. The striker hasn't always been at his best in an England shirt, but there is little doubt that he will be a key member of Hodgson's XI. The 28-year-old has also netted 38 times in 89 games for his country and remains, for many, their most talented player. It is a no-brainer.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Caps: 10 Goals: 3
Sturridge is another that has enjoyed a brilliant season under Rodgers at Liverpool. The 24-year-old has scored 24 times for the Reds this season and been a key member of their challenge for the title. Surprisingly, he has scored just three times for his country, but is expected to lead the line with deep support from Rooney this summer. In truth, his place is not in doubt.
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Caps: 21 Goals: 8
The 23-year-old is another that divides opinion, but his goal tally this season has been much improved. The forward has scored nine times in 21 league games for Manchester United, which is an impressive statistic when considering the number of positions in which he has been used. Welbeck's pace and power will be a key asset this summer. His England record is also strong with eight strikes in 21 games.
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Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
Caps: 4 Goals: 2
Lambert might be 32, but if he travels this summer, will be one of the most inexperienced members of the squad having made just four senior appearances, scoring twice in the process. A strong case could have been made for Southampton teammate Jay Rodriguez, but a serious injury ended his hopes of being involved. Step forward Lambert, who has scored 12 league goals this season. His ability from set pieces and indeed the penalty spot could prove vital this summer.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Caps: 2 Goals: 0
Sterling is another that has flourished at Liverpool this season, with the attacker scoring nine times in 30 league games. The 19-year-old has just two England caps to his name, but will surely add to that total this summer. The youngster has shown that he can perform wide and also through the middle this season and like Welbeck, boasts the type of pace that will worry opposing defences. He might be just a teenager, but it is not much of a risk putting him on the plane.
