Capello's World Cup Headache Starts Now.

Now that England have overcome a tough test against Egypt, Fabio Capello must look at his players long and hard before making the biggest choice of his career so far: Who to take to the 2010 World Cup.

On today's showing, several players have virtually booked their ticket, while others have pretty much shot themselves in the foot. Of the players out there tonight, I thought there were three who really put on a display. Ironically, they were all substitutes: Peter Crouch, James Milner and Michael Carrick.

Crouch is perhaps the most obvious of these. His two goals rescued England, while also taking him to 20 goals in 37 games for England. He's like a better, taller, whiter Emile Heskey. He serves the same role as a target man, but also puts the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis.

Milner is one of those sorts of players every team wants. He's willing to play pretty much anywhere on the pitch and is almost universally good wherever you put him. At a World Cup, where fatigue and injuries are likely to take a toll, someone like him proves invaluable. In previous tournaments, Gerrard has been the one to do this. Now with Milner on the scene, Gerrard should be free to play where he wants and England will be able to get the most out of him.

Carrick is probably England's best out and out passer of the ball, with the exception of maybe Beckham. His vision and accuracy were on show against Egypt and someone like him, sitting deep and proving ball after ball up the field will really strengthen the side. He's also pretty handy defensively.

I was tempted to include Shaun Wright-Phillips in this, but as far as I can tell he's not in Capello's first team plans if Aaron Lennon's fit. Capello seems to have more faith in Lennon, Milner or Beckham on the right hand side and I think that if Lennon gets fit again and SWP still fails to get into the Man City first team, he's in serious trouble.

As for the players who messed up a golden opportunity, Theo Walcott stands out from the crowd. Starting off on the right of the pitch, his pace and ball control should have torn shreds out of the three man Egyptian defense. Instead, poor first touches, overhits and a lack of an end product saw him have a terrible game. He started the game well, teeing up Frank Lampard who admittedly should have done better. Once Egypt got into the match though he soon faded away, much like his World Cup chances.

Matthew Upson also did his World Cup chances no good, being majorly at fault for Egypt's goal. Some may say that the poor Wembley pitch was to blame for his slip, but at this level it doesn't quite cut the mustard.

Going on form and the Egypt game, the squad I'd take to South Africa (if Cole's fit) would be:

Goalkeepers

Robert Green: Seems to be Fabio Capello's Number 1 now. Wasn't at fault for the goal against Egypt and always looks good when called on. Needs full 90 minutes in the pre-tournament friendlies to get much needed international experience.

David James: As good a back-up goalie you could hope for (unless you happen to be Spain). Experience at this level will be crucial in the camp, even if he doesn't make the starting 11.

Joe Hart: Most likely won't play, but the experience will do him good and should the worst come to the worst he's a highly capable keeper.

Defenders

Glen Johnson: Best right back available for England. Not as good defensively as Wes Brown (although not poor), but very good going forward.

Wes Brown: Cover for right back and centre back. I personally don't like him, but he's got experience and is defensively competent.

Ashley Cole: Best left back in the world in my opinion.

Stephen Warnock/Leighton Baines: Can't choose between them because they're both very similar and both talented. I'd possibly pick Warnock ahead of Baines simply because he's older and more experienced.

John Terry: May not be the captain any longer, but is still a leader on the pitch.

Rio Ferdinand: Captain and as such, a must.

Joleon Lescott: Better at centre back than Upson and can also play left back if needs must.

Midfielders

Steven Gerrard: Vice-captain and probably England's second best player.

Frank Lampard: Like Gerrard, a very talented player who is crucial to the squad for his experience as well as his talent.

Gareth Barry: Number one defensive midfielder. Passing's not as good as Carrick, but better defensively.

Michael Carrick: The inverse of Gareth Barry.

David Beckham: Dead ball specialist and the most experienced member of the squad.

James Milner: Captain versatility. Can play anywhere on the pitch except for in goal (although he'd probably give it a go if you asked him).

Shaun Wright-Phillips: He's got pace, he can cross a ball and is also a pretty capable finisher as well.

Stewart Downing: Naturally left footed winger and is having a great season for Villa.

Ashley Young: It's about time he was recognised internationally. A bit of a risk, but he's similar to Milner in that he can play anywhere in midfield and do it well.

Forwards

Wayne Rooney: Best English player by a country mile. He's the difference between England as Quarter finalists and "England as winners. Without him we're nothing.

Peter Crouch: You can't ignore his international record and he provides options up front. As good with his feet as well as with his head.

Jermain Defoe: A real poacher. His pace will be useful as a super-sub.

Emile Heskey: Big target man that strikers love to play alongside.