Roy Hodgson is set to name a vastly changed side to face Ecuador with only Wayne Rooney keeping his place in a new role – and Raheem Sterling unfortunate to miss out.
Ben Foster
Ben Foster will make his first start for England since May 2013 when he played a friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
The West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper has only ever made a single competitive appearance for England, in a qualifier for the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Ukraine.
Roy Hodgson will hope he is match sharp should he be needed for the 2014 tournament.
James Milner
James Milner is set to be deployed at right back against Ecuador, though it is a position he has played before at club level.
The Manchester City star actually possesses all the qualities to excel as a full back – good pace, phenomenal stamina and work rate, an accurate cross, and solid defensive attributes.
With Glen Johnson not having pulled up any trees recently, Milner could represent a decent option for the Three Lions.
Phil Jones
Like James Milner, Phil Jones is in the England squad as a utility player capable of playing a wide range of roles.
Against Ecuador, he is set to earn a chance to play at centre back – the position most pundits expect him to eventually end up in.
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling is also capable of playing at right back, but his physical attributes point to a player more comfortable in the heart of the defence.
The Manchester United man is excellent in the air, and his strength and positioning make for useful assets.
There remain question marks around his decision making however, and Smalling typically performs better alongside a more experienced partner.
Luke Shaw
Southampton prodigy Luke Shaw has a vast amount of potential, but is missing experience.
The 18 year-old should earn his first start for the senior England side against Ecuador after earning selection in the squad ahead of veteran Chelsea star Ashley Cole.
Frank Lampard
Despite being set to turn 36 on June 20th, departing Chelsea veteran Lampard remains in excellent condition and his long pedigree at the highest level makes him a worthy addition to the England squad.
Although unlikely to be a starter for the Three Lions when the World Cup is underway, Roy Hodgson will be pleased to know he has a player capable of slotting in to the side if necessary.
Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere will be well aware that he is battling Jordan Henderson for the place alongside his Liverpool team-mate at the base of the England midfield.
The Arsenal man hasn’t started a game for either club or country since March due to injury, but possesses the better passing range, dribbling ability and creativity to Henderson, and will be keen to impress.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another player looking to prove his fitness against Ecuador, having not appeared for either Arsenal or England since a substitute appearance for the Gunners against Hull City in mid-April.
The 20 year-old has the pace and dribbling skills to do some damage for the Three Lions, and his goal against Brazil in the Maracana last year will do wonders for his confidence.
Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley is another player with vast potential, and the Everton youngster had a stellar season, combining an imposing build with an excellent skillset.
The Everton star will play at the peak of England’s attacking midfield, and will hope to both run at the defence and combine with the Three Lions attack.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is in the unusual position of having to earn his place in the team after an indifferent last few matches, and Roy Hodgson has come up with the unusual solution of trialling him from the left.
The Manchester United star has previously declared that he does not enjoy playing on the wing, but performed poorly in the number ten position against Peru, and Daniel Sturridge has demonstrated enough to show that he is worthy of leading the line for England.
That means Rooney needs to find another place in the side if he is to retain a place in the starting XI, with Raheem Sterling unfortunately set to miss out due to the more senior man’s need for match sharpness.
Rickie Lambert
Newly signed Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert is expected to play the striker role for England against Ecuador, and the 32 year-old will offer Roy Hodgson something different to his new club colleague Daniel Sturridge.
Lambert has the build of a target man, but possesses a wider set of skills, and reached double figures for both goals and assists in the Premier League last season, and his ability to play in runners could prove useful.
Full team follows on next page!