Neighbours Did United Some Favour

United's Wembley weekend got off to the perfect start when elsewhere in London, title rivals Chelsea were thrashed 4-2 on their home turf.

With the Reds involved in Sunday's Carling Cup final, Carlo Ancelotti's side had a chance to go four points clear in the Barclays Premier League. But despite opening the scoring against Manchester City, Chelsea suffered their first home league defeat of the season and finished with nine men following red cards for Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack.

With City defending doggedly, it took Chelsea until the 42nd minute to draw first blood through Frank Lampard. However, the lead lasted only until first-half injury time when former United striker Carlos Tevez grabbed an equaliser.

Craig Bellamy scored at both ends of the second period and Tevez completed his own double when he slotted home a penalty following Belletti's foul on Gareth Barry. Lampard's second goal in injury time, also a spot-kick, merely reduced the arrears from an embarrassing 4-1 scoreline to a still quite shameful 4-2.

The away fans sang "There's only one Wayne Bridge" in celebration and in support of City's left-back, who declined to shake the hand of former team-mate John Terry before kick-off following the recent, much-publicised dramas off the field.

Chelsea's loss leaves them one point ahead of United after the same number of games.

Lou Macari's(pic) Wembley preview (From www.manutd.com)

I expect Sir Alex Ferguson to field his strongest team on Sunday. There’s a trophy at stake, so let’s forget the future games for now - the important one is the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa.

Sir Alex wants to win everything. I imagine he wants to win all the quizzes, games and competitions he takes part in when United are on the road! That’s just the way he is and he won’t allow his players to go out at Wembley and not have the same attitude.

At the moment, everything Wayne Rooney touches is ending up in the back of the net, and long may that continue. But he can’t win the game on his own – we’ll need everyone out there playing well. The good thing is that, certainly in the last couple of months, we seem to have clicked into gear.

For me, the turning point this season was the Carling Cup game against City at Eastlands. Although we lost, we played well on the night, and were brilliant in the second leg at Old Trafford – and in several games since then.

The draw at Villa Park was a good result following Nani's dismissal, and the only blip was last weekend’s defeat to Everton, although we quickly got back on track by beating West Ham. We’re in good form, playing with a great deal of confidence and looking likely to win something this season.

Meanwhile Aston Villa have had a good unbeaten run and there is no doubting their capabilities. They are well organised and disciplined, and you can bank on having a tough time against any team managed by Martin O’Neill.

Sunday’s final represents a big opportunity for Villa. You only need to look at the fans' reaction in the semi-final, when they spilled onto the pitch after they beat Blackburn. It was incredible.

I don’t necessarily agree with Arsene Wenger’s assessment of Villa as a long-ball side, because I think they are capable of playing good football. But goalscoring has been a problem for them. They have Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew, Emile Heskey and Ashley Young, all good attacking players but I wouldn’t say any of them were prolific goalscorers.

Young’s strength is his running power – he takes players on, gets to the byline and crosses the ball into box. But I’ve often seen him miss what I would call easy chances. Carew is cool in and around the box, good in the air and scored a couple from the penalty spot against Crystal Palace in midweek. But he’s been in and out of the side and I don’t think he has the mobility now to cause defences a great deal of problems. I don’t expect Carew to start on Sunday - I tend to think Martin O’Neill will play one up front in Agbonlahor.

With goals hard to come by, you can understand why O’Neill’s tactics are a bit cautious. When we went to Villa Park earlier this month and were down to 10 men for so long, you’d have expected them to come charging forward in search of a winner, but they didn’t. Once you get into a routine of playing in a certain way, it’s difficult to change. That’s why much of Villa’s success is based on a solid defence. Richard Dunne, in particular, has been excellent since joining from Manchester City.

As with most Wembley finals, it’ll be a case of who performs better on the day, and which team gets the breaks. So while we’ll start as favourites, Villa have a big chance of winning the cup, make no mistake. Our lads have been to finals time and time again, but other clubs like Villa are determined to make the most of these one-off occasions.

Title race takes more twists

Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O'Neill walked off Villa Park with glasses half-empty - only to reach the dressing room and find this most unpredictable of Premier League seasons offering them a refreshing refill.
Ferguson will have felt Manchester United's superiority, even with 10 men after Nani's deserved red card, made the draw against Aston Villa an opportunity missed. Chelsea's defeat at Everton may just have transformed this into a point gained.
O'Neill will have suffered the same emotions about Villa's top four aspirations following the failure to take advantage of United in reduced circumstances until he was cheered by defeats for Liverpool and Tottenham.
Throw in Arsenal's mini-revival with that win against Liverpool at the Emirates and it was confirmation that the only thing that can be relied upon in the Premier League this season is its unreliability. Drawing quick conclusions is a dangerous occupation.
If there is something you can put a hefty stake on it is the form of Wayne Rooney - and he was almost the complete player at Villa Park. Almost, only because a late save from Brad Friedel denied him the goal that would have crowned a masterclass.
Rooney is always prepared to do the work of at least two men. And so it proved as he took it upon himself to make up for the loss of Nani, sent off for a lunge at Stilyan Petrov that was more plain daft than malicious.
I asked O'Neill what he most admired about United's display on a night when they showed ominous control after suffering the numerical disadvantage. After pointing out that "admired" was not the word he would choose to describe what he actually experienced, he delivered a heartfelt eulogy to Rooney.
No introductions or names were needed as he said: "The centre-forward they possess is one of the best players in the world. His ability to control a ball under pressure is terrific and his ability is sensational."
O'Neill then highlighted one incident that encapsulated the essence of Rooney, the current desire allied to discipline that make his absence unthinkable for both Manchester United and England.
With the game entering its crucial closing phase, Rooney left his attacking post and raced back into the left-back position to challenge and win a tackle with Ashley Young in a moment that had even the Villa fans showing their appreciation.
"He's made the challenge like a full-back," enthused O'Neill. "He wasn't going to be beaten, and all that happened with about eight minutes to go. I've got a lot of players at this club who can definitely play this game, but that was as good an example as anything you will see."
United's menacing pursuit of Chelsea is helped by Ferguson, who ignored the natural caution many would exercise after losing a player by throwing on extra attacking resources in the shape of Antonio Valencia and Dimitar Berbatov in an attempt to claim the victory.
Ferguson will hope the point has not come at too much cost. Nani's ban rules him out of the Carling Cup final, but of even more concern was the sight of Ryan Giggs leaving Villa Park for an X-ray on an arm injury.
Villa barely laid a glove on United after Nani was sent off, although the debilitating effect of the Portuguese winger's tackle on Petrov robbed the home side of much-needed creativity. Rich promise was offered, however, in the shape of Fabian Delph as he excelled before tiring around the hour mark. And four points from United this season is a more than respectable return.
Few could have predicted Chelsea's loss at Goodison Park, given their show of strength against Arsenal at the weekend and Everton's lame effort at Liverpool - but this is a season of surprises, and the Premier League is all the better for that.
Chelsea have looked formidable for large portions of the season, but they will feel United's breath on their neck as the season enters its final lap. Ferguson, however, must pray no misfortune befalls Rooney because it becomes clearer with every passing week that he is pivotal to their hopes of becoming champions for the fourth successive year.
Arsene Wenger's elated, animated reaction at the conclusion of their win against Liverpool suggested he believes what many regarded as some form of Premier League third-place play-off has rejuvenated their own challenge.
Wenger was desperate for three points to reassert Arsenal's authority after morale-sapping defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea - although whether it represents anything more than a brief false dawn remains to be seen. The eternal optimist in Arsenal's manager will demand otherwise.
For Liverpool, elation against Everton was replaced by frustration. Suddenly, Rafael Benitez's "guarantee" of fourth place is under scrutiny once more. If it was ultimately a good night, of sorts, for Villa, it was an even better one for Manchester City.
The Premier League's eccentricity this season has been frowned upon by those who believe it betrays a lack of quality and consistency. There is merit in this theory, but the twists and turns more than make up for those accusations.
Take a trip up and down the table and excitement is everywhere - with West Ham's win against Birmingham ratcheting up the pressure on their closest contenders in the fight against relegation.
It is a drama with several acts still to be played out - but on the evidence produced at Villa Park on Wednesday, Rooney is now emerging as the central character.

The Reign of Wayne (By Robbo Robson)

OK, Mancs - and you citizens of Cornwall and Kuala Lumpur - I concede. It was the best game of the season. And the 4-3 wasn't bad either, to be fair.

I don't know whether to be hacked off that United have reached another final, or quietly pleased that the newly-minted Man City have been denied.

Mancini has been a civilised sort since arriving. I'm mildly diverted by his appearance. How long does it take him to look like that?

The hair is an identikit from a photo in a crusty old barber's shop window. The eyebrows look a little tidy too. Me, I've got stragglers weaving their way like vermicelli in all directions and he's probably about my age, so has he been on the tweezers?

The scarf has been a master-stroke. How long before Liam's clobber label start flogging something similar? And his team have shown a bit of devil about them too.

Kompany - and surely he should be wearing the number two shirt - was excellent throughout. They don't seem to be missing the headless chicken that can be Kolo Toure, or indeed Lescott.
And of course young Carlos had to bag a goal - though who would have thought he would've flicked one in with what looked like a Paul Scholes-style tackle?

The TevNev fracas seemed to have calmed down, but then young Gary has been concentrating on getting his plans for a flower-shaped eco-house passed. You do sometimes wonder whether Nev might reduce a fair bit of global warming just by keeping his trap shut, bless him.

There's more to come from City. If they've missed anyone it's a fit-and-firing Stephen Ireland. They lack a player who's going to get beyond the front men from midfield. A Lampard if you will. All right, if you're going to get beyond Bellamy, a Lampard with winged heels.

But United looked way better on Wednesday night... I think my prediction that they'll win nowt this season has really spurred them on, dammit.

Rooney's form is pretty magnificent at the moment. He can even cartwheel and run backwards like a bearded Beth Tweddle, and he's got Alan Hansen purring away with yards of alliteration (touch, technique, talent; power, pace, penetration... you've got to love Al).

Then there's the 'White Pele' banner. Now Wayne's good but his only qualification for that moniker is the 'white' bit. (And even then I'd go for Pasty Pele). And I doubt Pele's grasp of Anglo-Saxon is quite as relentless and repetitive.

Nani, of course, has a similar nickname with one letter difference in the word 'white'. It all adds up to one thing - Rooney's metatarsals are looking about as flimsy as toothpicks - at least in my imagination. (I'm sure the correct term for them is Wazza's mezzas). As far as the World Cup's concerned there's nowt much else in the locker if he doesn't make it and Fergie's hardly letting him put his feet up. What's that phrase? It's always Wayne in Manchester?

Trouble is there's not a lot of spare on United's bench either. Owen is like a fleeting shadow of that boy who terrorized Argentina. Berbatov is a flat soufflé most of the time, and Kiki Macheda (wasn't Kiki the frog in Hector's House?) hasn't had his pineapple mop on the pitch for long enough to make any impact.

So it looks like England fans will have to just grin and bear it.

At least Rio's back. He makes Evans look a better player, Ferdinand, although I think if there's anyone I'd least like to watch celebrating a goal, it's him. He's like a 12-year-old trying to pogo after too many sugary drinks. Every time I see it I imagine him flicking the Vs at you out of the back of the school bus.

So a Villa-United final... Me, I'll go for Villa on the basis that I've said the Reds will win nothing. Plus it'll be nice to see O'Neill springing about like a little Ulster lamb. I'm not applying any logic here, mind. If I was , I'd pick United.

Just as I'd pick Federer to win the Aussie Open. But then I had a sly bet with Tony Thompson in the Bell after his first round wobble that Rog'd never win another major. Then he goes and mullers everyone in sight. Robson! Gob! Shut!

Still Murray has been entertaining, not to mention that rare quality amongst British tennis players, clinical. Plus he celebrates like some sort of anti-Henman. The open-throated holler, where his mouth started to morph like that bloke's in American Werewolf in London, was particularly special.

In the meantime we can all spare a thought for Crystal Palace fans. I've always had a soft-spot for Palace since the days of the Team of the Eighties - so long ago now they're probably the Team In Their Eighties.

The chairman must take a lot of the blame and given the man looks like third prize winner in a Duran Duran looky-likey competition it's always been hard to take Simon Jordan seriously. The rather orange complexion - as regular readers will know - always fills me with suspicion. Plus, as a football fan I like the day's highlights to be on the pitch, not in the chairman's barnet.

It's not surprising that Warnock is exasperated. Twenty first place and losing the lad Moses is hardly what he or his players deserve. It's just a shame they've been hit with this mid-season, rather than at the beginning of next, say.

The only upside is that it means Boro continue to climb the table. Which I couldn't resist, but to be honest it's not that funny.

Ferguson: Giggs the best

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson believes Ryan Giggs is the best player of the Premier League era.

The former Wales international, who will be 36 in November, continues to be one of United's best performers and has proved already this season he can still have a major impact on matches.

Giggs has won 11 championship titles, having made his debut in March 1991, and is just one goal away from becoming only the 17th player to score 100 Premier League goals.

Those are just some of the reasons Ferguson believes no-one can match the reigning PFA Player of the Year in terms of achievement and influence in the modern game.

"We have had a lot of top-class players in this league - and some have probably made more of an impact than Ryan - but nobody can boast the same sort of longevity and consistency," said the United manager.

"He was there when the league started and he is still there now. I think you would have to say Ryan is the best."

Giggs scored his 150th United goal against Wolfsburg in the Champions League last week and is also the club's record appearance holder (currently 814).

His adaptability and extraordinary fitness has helped him stay at the top for so long and, as a result, he gives Ferguson options.

Giggs won his first PFA Player of the Year award for performances mainly in central midfield but this season he has been moved back out to the left wing, where he has spent most of his career.

The ability to switch seamlessly between the two is something his manager is likely to utilise later in the campaign.

"We have played him out wide in a few games recently because he is fresh at the moment," Ferguson added.

"It's the beginning of the season so he has got plenty of running in him and he can do a lot of damage in the wide position.

"But I think you will find as the season progresses he will move back into the middle of the park where he can dictate the games."

Capello's World Cup contenders

England's impressive World Cup qualification campaign under coach Fabio Capello ended with a routine victory over Belarus at Wembley.

The defeat against Ukraine was the only blemish as nine wins out of ten qualifiers established a solid platform for England's bid to win the World Cup in South Africa next summer.

Capello is already plotting a path to World Cup success - but who will he take with him to South Africa in a bid to justify England's status as one of the showpiece's main threats?

Here we examine Capello's England contenders and see where they stand when it comes to stamping their passport to South Africa.

GOALKEEPERS

DAVID JAMES: Firm favourite to be Fabio Capello's first choice in South Africa - a fact that also underlines the current dearth of top quality goalkeeping talent at England's disposal.

James will be nearly 40 when the World Cup starts, still struggles for consistency and his stop-start England career will have encompassed 13 years when the campaign starts.

Still capable of making brilliant saves but mixing that with costly mistakes. Susceptible to injuries these days, as proved by missing England's win against Belarus with a knee problem after only emerging as substitute against Ukraine.

Not the perfect answer to England's goalkeeping problems, but the best option amid an unconvincing group. The position remains Capello's biggest concern.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

ROBERT GREEN: Sound club keeper with West Ham United, but still very much unproven at England level. This is what will let James in. Unlucky to be sent off against Ukraine, and can expect to be first in line should any misfortune befall James.

Verdict: On the plane.

PAUL ROBINSON: Blackburn's keeper was unfairly pilloried for a freak goal in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia that was none of his making, and the subsequent criticism appeared to destroy his confidence.

He has gone back to basics at Blackburn and now looks a good goalkeeper again. Has previous World Cup experience and would be my third choice behind James and Green.

Verdict: Auditioning for the rest of the Premier League season.

BEN FOSTER: Not for me. Has failed to convince at Manchester United this season, and while he made a good save against Belarus, this should not disguise the uncertainty he has shown at Old Trafford.

Not commanding enough and at 26 is not the callow youth many would have you believe. Can improve, but would not be in my World Cup squad.

Verdict: Needs games at Manchester United to press his case.

JOE HART: Capello likes Hart but he will have to wait his turn. 2014 is a more realistic aim for a talented keeper.

Verdict: World Cup too soon for him.

DEFENDERS

GLEN JOHNSON: Gives England an added dimension with his adventurous attacking play, but not the greatest defender and is too often pulled out of position.

Champions League football with Liverpool will broaden his horizons and help him get acquainted with the sort of quality he will face in South Africa. Gifted but still a work in progress. Looks certain to play - no obvious competition,

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

WES BROWN: The Manchester United defender has had an horrendous time with injuries, but Capello is clearly an admirer and appears the most likely understudy to Johnson. He offers the added bonus of being able to fill in at centre-back.

Needs to do much more to make up Capello's mind and needs to play games, but definitely in the frame.

Verdict: Could sneak in because of lack of other options.

JOHN TERRY: Main man in defence and a natural leader. Speaks with pride and passion about his role as England captain and backs up his words with actions on the pitch.

Probably his last tilt at a World Cup and insists he can sense this England team is ready to win a major tournament. Capello's only concern about Terry will be injuries - and how he must avoid them.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

RIO FERDINAND: As graceful and effective a central defender as there is in world football when focused, but it appears injuries have taken the edge off his mental and physical sharpness.

Likely to have been jolted into action by a sharp word from Capello after his error against Ukraine - something the coach was, interestingly, happy to make public.

Plenty of time to turn his form around. Would be a major surprise if he is not alongside Terry when England's World Cup campaign starts.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

MATTHEW UPSON: Reliable and trusted by Capello when Rio Ferdinand has been absent. Upson has never let England down and on that basis alone he looks certain to be in South Africa and on alert for any injuries to the main central defenders.

Verdict: On the plane.

GARY CAHILL: Strong and confident youngster with real faith in his own ability and a growing number of admirers among top Premier League managers. Still waiting to press his claims to Capello and this World Cup might just come too soon.

Verdict: Next time around.

JOLEON LESCOTT: Manchester City's £24m defender has yet to show his best form since his acrimonious move from Everton. Has at times looked over-awed when playing for England, a sharp contrast to the assured performances that earned him such a glowing reputation at Everton.

Under threat from players such as Cahill, and perhaps from his former Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka once he returns to fitness. In danger of slipping down the pecking order.

Verdict: In danger of missing out.

ASHLEY COLE: In the form of his life. Now playing for Chelsea as he did for Arsenal and one of the men Capello will count on in South Africa. No-one comes within a country mile of taking his England place at present.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

WAYNE BRIDGE: Not shown international class for England and has struggled with Manchester City this season. He will go to South Africa, but only because there is a shortage of left-backs pushing to take his position. If one emerges, he will be in danger.

Verdict: Work needs to be done but likely to be on the plane.

MIDFIELDERS

GARETH BARRY: Capello's Mr Reliable in central midfield. Has seen off the challenge of Michael Carrick and shows no sign of relinquishing his hold on the position alongside Frank Lampard in central midfield.

Barry is a mature, experienced operator whose level-headed approach ensures the intensity of a World Cup campaign will hold no terrors.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

FRANK LAMPARD: One of the world game's outstanding midfield players, and has forged a fruitful partnership with Barry. Has the potential to be one of England's most influential performers in South Africa.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

STEVEN GERRARD: Would be the second name on my team-sheet after Wayne Rooney. Undisputed world class and has found a home in the Capello template tucked in on the left but with licence to roam and join Rooney as an attacking threat.

Amazingly still has to convince some observers of his worth to England, but would be coveted by every other coach at the World Cup - and I mean every other coach.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

THEO WALCOTT: He was little more than a fresh-faced sightseer when inexplicably included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad for the 2006 World Cup.

This mature youngster lit the blue touch paper under the Capello era with a hat-trick in the World Cup qualifier in Croatia, and if he is fit must be the top tip to take the right-flank spot ahead of Aaron Lennon. Lightning fast and capable of composed finishing, he is a world-class talent in the making.

Now needs to stay fit and have a big season at Arsenal - something that could set the scene for him to be a major star at the World Cup.

Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

AARON LENNON: Moving towards finally producing the goods under the wise guidance of Harry Redknapp at Spurs. Lennon is now putting more end product in his game to go with the blistering pace and direct approach.

Will make the squad for South Africa but may lose out on a starting place to north London rival Walcott.

Verdict: On the plane.

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS: For all the endeavour, Wright-Phillips falls short of true international class. Did not shine despite scoring against Belarus and I do not see him forcing his way past Lennon and Walcott, especially with Capello also pondering the David Beckham dilemma.

Verdict: Staying at home.

DAVID BECKHAM: Predictably, this will become the great talking point of the next few months. The fact that he farcically won the man-of-the-match award against Belarus (a slap in the face to Gareth Barry and Peter Crouch) showed he can still put stars in the eyes of even the most hardened professional, in this case adjudicator Steve Bruce.

Capello spoke warmly about Beckham after the game, in a manner that suggested he would take him as a World Cup wild card.

I would leave Beckham at home because I believe England must feel confident enough about themselves to do without his occasional contributions from the bench. He would not start a game in South Africa.

Beckham still has beautiful delivery, but I am not convinced he can still hurt the top-class opposition England would face later in the tournament. I would prefer Capello to take someone like Joe Cole.

The former captain has my total respect for the way he came back from relinquishing the captaincy in tears in Baden-Baden in 2006 and the desire is still clearly there, but I believe England should be able to move on by the time next summer comes around. If they cannot, then this is a concern.

I still think Fabio will take him though.

Verdict: Should be at home but may well make the plane.

JAMES MILNER: Milner is fast-improving and could be coming to the boil nicely by the time the World Cup comes around. Looked sharper than Beckham against Belarus and almost scored.
Pace, power, delivery (remember his performance against the Netherlands in Amsterdam?) Got the bit between his teeth and is ready to pose real questions to Capello.

Verdict: A real live contender.

MICHAEL CARRICK: Carrick has a wonderful range of passing and can also score goals and dictate the tempo of the game, but is he too similar to Barry, who is the man in possession?
With Lampard and Gerrard also around, is there room for Carrick as well? I think he may well miss out, and could yet face an added threat from his Old Trafford team-mate Owen Hargreaves if he recovers from injury.

Verdict: Got a fight on his hands.

FORWARDS

WAYNE ROONEY: The irreplaceable. The man England cannot afford to be without. Frustrated by injuries at Euro 2004 and at the World Cup two years later, South Africa can be his stage.
Verdict: On the plane and in the team.

EMILE HESKEY: The striker whose career has been one long defiance of football logic. The striker who does not score goals, indeed the striker who does not play many games any more, and yet the striker Capello trusts implicitly to lead his line.

Selfless and hard-working, Heskey's main asset is that he allows Rooney and others to flourish. It is a quality so highly-prized that it makes managers forget he cannot score goals.

If England could find a suitable alternative acceptable to Capello (is he truly convinced by Peter Crouch or Carlton Cole?) Heskey would be gone, but the smart money is on him still being alongside Rooney in the first game in South Africa.

The big dilemma comes if Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is unmoved by his demands for first-team football - which he won't be. Can Capello seriously risk him after a season on the sidelines? I wouldn't.

VERDICT: On the plane and in the team.

JERMAIN DEFOE: As clinical a finisher as England possess, but seen as an impact player as opposed to a starter. Has the talent to make a major impact at the World Cup when he gets his chance.

VERDICT: On the plane.

PETER CROUCH 18 goals in 35 appearances for England. The critics will point to goals scored against lesser nations, a "flat-track bully" if you like. This is not Crouch's fault when he rarely gets starts against the bigger teams.

Capello still seems less than sold on Crouch, whose lack of physical power counts against him at the top international level, but hard to see what more he could do to convince the England coach.
Will go to South Africa because he provides England with a different option.

VERDICT: On the plane.

CARLTON COLE: Developed enormously under Gianfranco Zola at West Ham, but with Capello a confirmed Heskey fan and Crouch scoring goals, there may not be room for a third big target man. Might smack of overkill.

Has the potential to be more effective than Heskey, and could be the beneficiary if the Villa striker does not get games. If Heskey does, Cole might spend the summer at home.

Verdict: Anxious wait ahead.

MICHAEL OWEN: A fit Michael Owen scoring goals simply has to be in the squad. If he fulfilled this criteria I would put him in with Rooney, Defoe, Heskey and Crouch.

The doubts still lie in those fitness worries and the lingering feeling that Capello believes he may be a spent force at England level. Never, ever write off Owen, however, and at Manchester United he has the perfect stage to make his pitch for a World Cup place.

VERDICT: On the plane. If fit.

THE OUTSIDERS

JOE COLE: A popular member of the England squad, with the element of fantasy about his game that makes it work at international level. On the way back to full fitness at Chelsea, he will provide Capello with options all across midfield, and even in attack at a push, should he get regular football. If he proves his fitness, Cole should be in South Africa.

Verdict: Could make an irresistible case for inclusion if he gets the chance.

GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR: Not quite international class, but an excellent Premier League performer. Got the pace required at the highest level but may be a better bet in 2014.

Verdict: Maybe better luck next time.

JACK RODWELL: Plenty of good judges, David Pleat included, feel Everton's gifted teenager is the one big outsider who could make a late bid for World Cup inclusion. An England player of the future, Rodwell still does not influence games enough (hardly a surprise given his tender years) and has yet to show he can make the killer contribution.

Verdict: Too soon but his time will come.

ASHLEY YOUNG: Highly-talented and confident player, but is near the back of the queue now in his position and would need to do something very special to warrant inclusion - is capable of special moments though.

Verdict: May have missed his chance.

PHIL JAGIELKA: Was in magnificent form for Everton when he sustained a serious knee injury that caused him to miss the FA Cup Final. An outstanding defender who is admired by Capello and has just returned to training with Everton.

If he can recapture last season's form on his return could be a surprise outsider.

Verdict: Outside chance if he can recapture form and fitness.

OWEN HARGREAVES: Just emerging from an injury nightmare, the man who was an exceptional performer at the 2006 World Cup still has ambitions to make South Africa. Needs to prove he is finally fit before he does anything, but has the strength of will to make up for lost time.

Verdict: Long shot but will give Capello food for thought if he finds his form.

STEWART DOWNING: Yet to play for Aston Villa following his move from Middlesbrough, a player who has shone only occasionally for England may have missed his chance.

Verdict: Needs big performances quickly when he gets fit.

Torres, Drogba or Rooney - who's the best? (By: Steve Wilson)

I've set myself this challenge with a certain amount of trepidation. This self-appointed task is to choose between the three strikers who I feel are the Premier League's best.

It's really a pub debate with myself, and a bit of fun for whoever might feel moved to chip in and tell me where I'm wrong.

The three I am thinking of are Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres.

I've started a row with myself already. What about the skills of Adebayor? Why not the searing pace of Agbonlahor or the intelligence of Van Persie? What of Tottenham's trio of Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch?

Then there is Louis Saha and Darren Bent, who have both had such fine starts to the season. And I haven't even mentioned Eduardo, Tevez, Robinho, Berbatov or Carlton Cole.

We have got such an array of fabulous talent in front of goal in the Premier League, but, for me, Rooney, Drogba and Torres are a cut above.

Now, how to choose? In true tabloid style, I am going to select five categories and award marks out of 10.

To decide on categories, I have consulted with Mark Bright. Here's what we came up with.

FINISHING

Torres - most at home inside the penalty area where he accelerates and glides past defenders with fantastic poise. He has the ability to find his spot with either foot and is great in the air, too. 9/10

Drogba - maybe less of a penalty box predator than Torres, but he can unleash immense power from outside the box. Comfortable on either foot, tremendous in the air and, of course, uses his strength to terrorise defenders. 9/10

Rooney - his goal-attempts are almost always on target as he performs the simple and sublime in front of goal. He may not be quite as effective as Torres or Drogba in the air but is a danger to goalkeepers from almost anywhere. 9/10

TEAM CONTRIBUTION

Torres - Liverpool's system allows him to rely on others to do much of the hard work outside the box. But you couldn't call him a shirker. 7/10

Drogba - is often Chelsea's best defender of set-pieces, with his power and ability in the air, and since Luiz Felipe Scolari left his attitude has been spot on. 8/10

Rooney - he is a fantastic creator of goals for others as well as scorer of goals for himself. He was often used as a left-sided attacker last season, when Ronaldo played as the centre forward. His willingness to track back is legendary. But his tackling sometimes leaves room for improvement. 9/10

PACE

Torres - blistering acceleration with balance makes marking him as hard as catching a fish by hand. 9/10

Drogba - he's quick enough when it matters, though it's his strength which makes him so fearsome. 8/10

Rooney - probably lacks the acceleration of Torres, but his ability to be in the right place at the right time is uncanny. 8/10

DISCIPLINE

Torres - gets frustrated with team-mates on occasion but rarely gets angry with opponents or referees. He seems to be the model pro when it comes to keeping cool. 9/10

Drogba - his red card in the Champions League final against Manchester United and antics after the Barcelona semi show that Drogba will on occasion lose his head. 7/10

Rooney - he does seem to have worked on his tendency to lose his temper, but it's something which has been played on by opponents in big matches. 7/10

STAYING FIT

Torres - it's a nagging worry for Liverpool fans who saw Torres miss so much of last season with hamstring injuries, mostly sustained whilst playing for Spain. 7/10

Drogba - not quite so indestructible as his physique would suggest, but then he is six years older than Torres and seven older than Rooney. As a result, he has been getting kicked for longer. 8/10

Rooney - he is harder to stop that the Terminator. He just keeps on playing week in, week out, never losing his edge or consistency. 9/10

So the totals - and as I write this I haven't a clue what they will be...
Torres --- 41/50
Drogba --- 40/50
Rooney --- 42/50

Interesting, and now I am off to argue with myself!