A month before South Africa 2010 kicks off, England boss Fabio Capello has announced the prime 30 men of his choice to represent queen and country in this epic event. The boss has yet to cut off seven more for the final roster to be determined, but the squad’s core has caused high hopes amongst the England faithful for a second cup win in world cup history. The thirty names are:

Goalkeepers: Joe hart (Birmingham city), David James (P’smouth) and Robert Green (W. ham united)

Defense: Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson (Liv’pool), Ashley Cole, John Terry (Chelsea), Michael Dawson, Ledley King (Spurs), R. Ferdinand (Man. Utd), Matthew Upson (W. Ham), Leighton Baines (Everton) and Stephen Warnock (Villa).

Midfielders: Joe Cole, Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone (Spurs), James Milner (Villa), Adam Johnson, Shaun Wright – Phillips, Gareth Barry (Man. City), Michael Carrick (Man Utd.), Scott Parker (W. ham), Steven Gerrard (Liv’pool)  and Theo Walcott (Arsenal). 

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd.), Jermaine Defoe, Peter Crouch (Spurs), Darren Bent (Sunderland) and Emile Heskey (Villa).

 Speculations can be made, but let alone 3 or 4 “anchors”, there really is no telling who the boss will relieve from duty. Two friendlier (or rather audition) games are to be played, before the final 23 soldiers will be announced.

But just how far will the team go? Good question. There’s little doubt that the roster reads the finest England squad seen for some 15 -20 years, but will our players live up to the names on their jerseys? Sadly, I am not referring to mere pressure management. A deep look into coach Capello’s well engineered football machine can discover a few potentially crucial tweaks. A good example to potential reputation disappointments would be one of football’s most rock solid pair of center backs, Terry and Ferdinand. John Terry’s form (obviously damaged by the hype around the Wayne Bridge issue) has been horrible throughout the whole season, almost to the point where bridge can call it even. That aside, poor Rio Ferdinand has barely had the chance to show what he’s capable of, due to a season haunted by injuries. If that wasn’t enough their understudy Ledley King, is also under the magnifying glass as he is currently under a bit of a “knee situation”. The magnitude of the written above can prove deadly for the England defense.

Defense aside, Liverpool’s Stephen Gerrard, has gone down with the ship. One cannot blame him for Liverpool's fall, but the leadership that has become his trademark over the years was sourly missed at Anfield, and will be desperately needed in South Africa. Michael Carrick of United will also want to let bygones be bygones, sitting out a lot of big games this season and scoring a mere 5 goals. Gareth Barry has been great for City, but recent injury makes it unclear whether he will be fit for duty.

But there is a few rays of sunlight in the dark English skies, Starting of course with PFA player of the year Wayne Rooney. The Man. United hit man has exceeded the optimistic of expectations this year, and has proven his place amongst the biggest threats in football. Scoring an imaginative 35 goals this season, as well as playing a major role in attack build – ups, (and sometimes even defense!), “Wazza” has been deemed by many to be England's knight in shining armor. Frank Lampard has been sensational as well, scoring 23 goals and providing 18 assists, all from a midfielder’s position. Jermaine Defoe could be quite a wingman for “Wazza” having a great season at Tottenham as well, and if ever a head is needed the 6”7 Peter Crouch is always up to the task.

Despite the pessimistic content of this article, England is still believed by many (yours truly included) as serious candidates to lift the key to football heaven at day’s end, keeping in mind its esteemed manager, a glorious qualifying campaign, and the unbreakable British team spirit. Let’s just hope that this time, our hopes are not crushed by the legs (or hand) of a little argentine superstar.