Debate rages over England World Cup squad

Less than a week before Sven-Goran Eriksson announces his intended 23-man World Cup England squad, there are still areas of debate in defence and midfield, even if the 20-strong core of his group is secure.

The main questions are whether Eriksson will select youngsters Joe Cole and Wes Brown. These are his likely thoughts:

Goalkeepers (3): David Seaman will start, Nigel Martyn should be on the bench and David James is also assured of his place. Richard Wright will only be considered in case of injury.

Definite: David Seaman, Nigel Martyn, David James

Defenders (7 or 8): Gary Neville’s enforced exclusion has forced Eriksson’s hand, making Danny Mills a certainty in the squad, while also boosting the chances of Jamie Carragher and Wes Brown.

That would mean Phil Neville missing out again, while Martin Keown is the main challenger to Brown unless Eriksson takes seven defenders.

Definite: Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Southgate, Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Danny Mills

Possibles: Jamie Carragher, Martin Keown, Wes Brown

Outsiders: Ugo Ehiogu, Phil Neville, Ledley King

Midfielders (7 or 8): Six definites with David Beckham included - possibly with another midfielder on standby and Owen Hargreaves now having booked his place. The big question is over Joe Cole, with Trevor Sinclair, Danny Murphy and Frank Lampard being the other main contenders.

Definite: David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Kieron Dyer, Nicky Butt, Owen Hargreaves

Possibles: Joe Cole, Trevor Sinclair, Danny Murphy

Outsiders: Frank Lampard

Strikers (4 or 5): Eriksson now seems almost certain to take five strikers, sealing places for Darius Vassell and Teddy Sheringham but not Andy Cole.

Definite: Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler, Darius Vassell, Teddy Sheringham