Roy Hodgson’s England squad is taking shape, but the Three Lions boss still has a few weeks to figure out his 23 man squad.
The Daily Telegraph claim these are the players Hodgson is likely to select.
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Joe Hart is Roy Hodgson’s undisputed first choice goalkeeper for England, with the Man City man retaining his place in the Three Lions side even throughout a tough period of form in the autumn.
Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)
Ben Foster reversed his decision to retire from international football in 2013, and the Baggies man now appears to be first in line to replace Joe Hart be unavailable for any reason.
Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Fraser Forster has been in excellent form for Celtic this season, and will likely head to the World Cup as third choice goalkeeper ahead of Norwich City’s John Ruddy.
Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
Glen Johnson has been first choice right back for England for much of the last decade, and despite competition from Kyle Walker – now injured – this season, the Liverpool man looks certain to retain his place at right back for the Three Lions.
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Gary Cahill has been part of the best central defence in the Premier League with Chelsea this season, helping the Blues keep 17 clean sheets. Although his club partner John Terry has not made himself available for England, Cahill should form a key part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Phil Jagielka’s stock has risen in recent weeks despite his absence through injury. Everton have not defended nearly as well without their skipper in the heart of the defence, and Jagielka’s partnership with Gary Cahill will be crucial for England this summer.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
Chris Smalling has had a somewhat indifferent season for Manchester United, but his versatility should earn him a place on the plane to Brazil this summer.
Phil Jones (Manchester United)
Phil Jones’s ability to play a number of positions could be vital for England this summer, with the Manchester United man capable of playing at centre half, right back and in defensive midfield.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Leighton Baines has overtaken Ashley Cole to become England’s first choice left back thanks to some superb displays for Everton. Baines’ defensive work is matched by his skill going forward and excellent set piece delivery.
Luke Shaw (Southampton)
In the battle between Luke Shaw and Ashley Cole for the role of second left back, it looks like the younger man will win out. Shaw has been excellent for Southampton for the last two years, while Cole has rarely played for Chelsea. Perhaps Roy Hodgson feels it is time to look to the future.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard has been brilliant in a withdrawn role in the Liverpool midfield, and looks set to play a similar position for England this summer.
As captain of the Three Lions, Gerrard is a certainty to go to Brazil this summer.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Frank Lampard is no longer a certain starter at Chelsea, but his experience and goal threat could come in useful for the Three Lions – even if only from the bench.
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Jack Wilshere has come under criticism this season for failing to develop beyond his current level, but the Arsenal midfielder can point to injuries as being a clear inhibition to his progress.
On form, he remains arguably the most talented of England’s midfielders.
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Jordan Henderson has silenced many of his doubters this season with some dynamic play from the centre of the park, adding mobility and tenacity alongside Steven Gerrard at the base of the Liverpool midfield.
If he can do the same for England, he could prove a great asset for his country.
James Milner (Manchester City)
James Milner is another player who could be a versatile option for England, with the Man City man’s flexibility out wide or in central areas – or even as an auxiliary full back – useful options for Roy Hodgson.
Milner possesses good quality going forward as well as high work rate and positional discipline, and his passing and crossing delivery could be helpful to the Three Lions.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
After a campaign disrupted by injury, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown enough to prove himself worthy of a place in the England squad.
The Arsenal winger’s dribbling, pace and ability to make things happen would make him a worthy inclusion – if he can recover from his groin injury in time.
Adam Lallana (Southampton)
Adam Lallana is a distinctly un-English player, with excellent technique using both feet, vision and a decent goal threat.
Able to play across the attacking midfield line, the Southampton skipper could dovetail well with England’s other creative players.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Raheem Sterling is still just 19 years of age, but already plays like a seasoned veteran.
Recalled to the Liverpool side in December after a spell out of the team, Sterling hasn’t looked back, and has shown an end product to match his formidable pace.
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck has excellent pace, strength, technique and movement, and although his finishing could still improve, he is currently enjoying the most prolific season of his club career to date, and his England record is superb.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Only Luis Suarez has been directly involved in more Premier League goals than Wayne Rooney this season, with the Manchester United’s 17 goals and 10 assists an impressive total.
Rooney hasn’t yet scored a World Cup goal for England. If fit, he would surely like the chance to amend that.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Daniel Sturridge is the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League, with 20 goals, and his speed, skill and finishing could make the Three Lions quite the force on the counterattack.
Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
Should Rickie Lambert go to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he knows it will be as a backup player, but the Southampton striker certainly has his qualities.
As well as an excellent aerial threat, Lambert offers great movement, and – dare I say it – good feet for a big man.
Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC)
Rather surprisingly, newspapers report this morning that Jermain Defoe is likely to be on the plane to Brazil despite plying his trade in the MLS with Toronto FC.