Despite a reputation for unimaginative team selections, Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted there are between three and five seats still available on the England squad's flight to Germany 2006. With injuries, that number could rise yet further and all over the Premiership there will be players hungrily chasing the opportunity of representing their country in the world's biggest tournament.
Late surges of form have made unexpected stars of players in the past, Paul Gascoigne for example was a late addition to Bobby Robson's squad in 1990, and a generation of hopefuls will be hoping 2006 could be their year. Here PA Sport assesses the contenders:

ROBERT GREEN
With Paul Robinson firmly established as first-choice goalkeeper, the battle centres around who will be his deputies. Despite beating Chris Kirkland to a debut, Norwich stopper Green seems more vulnerable.
Should Eriksson decide David James' experience outweighs his inconsistency or if Scott Carson breaks into the Liverpool side then Green could find that a season outside the Premiership has cost him dear.
STATUS: PROBABLE

LUKE YOUNG
The Charlton-man has emerged as a strong contender as deputy to the durable Gary Neville. The previous incumbent - Chelsea's Glen Johnson - has failed to impress in recent times and cannot win a starting berth at club level.
Young may find himself up against the versatile Phil Neville or a resurgent Danny Mills but at the moment stands as favourite.
STATUS: HOT FAVOURITE

JONATHAN WOODGATE
The Real Madrid defender has been plagued by injury for over a year but should be back to fitness in time for the tournament. Displacing the likes of Jamie Carragher and Ledley King in the national squad could prove to be a tougher prospect.
With both men offering a greater versatility than Woodgate he might need a spot of luck - and a harsh red card plus an own goal on his Real debut suggests he is in short supply - to make the squad.
STATUS: IMPROVING OUTSIDER

MICHAEL CARRICK
The Tottenham man is one of many hopefuls chasing the role of Eriksson's first-choice anchor man. Eriksson may call on a holding player if Lampard and Gerrard continue to struggle together or as a substitute should he need to protect a lead.
Carrick will be challenged by Phil Neville and Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves but should edge them out if he continues to perform in an increasingly impressive Spurs midfield.
STATUS: NEEDS A GOOD SEASON