Wondering who'll be in the England squad for the summer's inevitably successful jaunt to Poland and Ukraine? So is Fabio Capello, if this morning's papers are to be believed.
Fortunately, we've had a sit down in a quiet room and have come up with a list of how things stand at present - most likely to travel at the top, those at risk of missing out towards the bottom...
Key:
â² = moving up
â¼ = moving down
â = non mover
â = new entry
1 Joe Hart âÂÂ
Unrivaled No.1 and the key to defensive stability (hopefully)
2 Wayne Rooney âÂÂ
Still the most dangerous player, though less so when banned
3 Ashley Cole âÂÂ
A cert: CapelloâÂÂs Mr Reliable, even if club form has been patchy
4 Scott Parker â²
Never-say-die attitude rubs off on everyone around him
5 Steven Gerrard âÂÂ
Fit and firing: RooneyâÂÂs stand-in for France and Sweden?
6 John Terry â¼
Stripped of the captaincy, but still certain to be in Fabio's plans
7 James Milner âÂÂ
Work-rate and versatility make him the ideal utility player for any 23
8 Gary Cahill â²
Will look to build an understanding with new club-mate Terry
9 Gareth Barry â¼
Efficient if unspectacular, a staple of Fabio's squads since day one
10 Leighton Baines âÂÂ
Unproven but solid understudy in a position with few options
11 Theo Walcott â²
Capello favourite. Form a worry, but explosive pace still a weapon
12 Daniel Sturridge â²
Has forced his way in at Chelsea and is aiming for the same with England
13 Danny Welbeck â²
Form with Manchester United has seen him overtake Darren Bent
14 Joleon Lescott â²
Consistent Man City form makes him a reliable alternative
15 Stewart Downing â¼
Must do more to secure place (and that's just with Liverpool...)
16 Jack Wilshere â¼
Should still make it despite suffering an injury setback
17 Ashley Young â¼
Injury sees him slip down the international pecking order
18 Frank Lampard âÂÂ
Invaluable source of goals when it matters in the big games
19 Glen Johnson â¼
CapelloâÂÂs go-to right-back, but under threat from Kyle Walker
20 Scott Carson âÂÂ
A long way behind Joe Hart, but there aren't too many options left
21 Darren Bent â¼
On the bench for now, but form in qualifying stands him in good stead
22 Phil Jones â¼
Standing has slipped after a few shaky defensive performances
23 Ben Foster âÂÂ
Could he be tempted out of his self-imposed exile?
Close contenders
David Stockdale has enjoyed an extended run in the Fulham goal, and Capello would be buoyed to see his the keeper playing, especially given the effect regular football has had for the confidence and development of Kyle Walker, as he continues to play a part in Tottenham's tentative title push. Adam Johnson finds himself on the other end of the spectrum as Roberto Mancini has persisted with an improved Samir Nasri, when it looked like Johnson could jump ahead of the former Arsenal man. Chris Smalling is still out with glandular fever, but it's no secret that Capello admires his composure and comfort at right-back. So much so, that he has refrained from picking Micah Richards in previous squads, despite the Manchester City defender's barn-storming displays from that very position. Jermain Defoe led the line well against Manchester City â grabbing himself a goal â but his late miss would have tipped the balance further towards Bent and the more versatile Welbeck and Sturridge.
Bubbling under
Everton's Phil Jagielka and Jack Rodwell are a couple of weeks away from fitness. Given the size of David Moyes' squad, both will be find themselves back in action as soon as Everton look to push on into the top half of the table, and turn Capello's head. Aaron Lennon has continued to display his aptitude on both flanks but never seems far from an injury, while Tom Cleverley will be a welcome boost to both club and country as he is set to return next week and assist Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick, who has been in inspired form over the last two months. Bobby ZamoraâÂÂs shift to (a bit more) West London has started well with a goal on his QPR debut against Wolves, but one wonders whether Capello really thinks he is capable of leading the line for England in a major tournament.
Outside bets
Andy Carroll hardly grabbed his chance to nail down a starting place with club or country during SuarezâÂÂs eight-game absence, but he has at least resembled a footballer in the last few games (he even scored a goal, y'know...). Gabriel Agbonlahor's form has curtailed after an impressive start, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seems to be going from strength to strength, after exciting outings against Manchester United and Blackburn â his technical ability and decision-making a particular treat. Leon Britton anyone? The key cog in SwanseaâÂÂs engine room (do engines have cogs?) who looks unperturbed by the ever so frantic Premier League. The Wandsworth Xavi â possibly EnglandâÂÂs?
The Euro 2012 England squad predictor: January
