Adam Johnson is likely to come into the England reckoning following David
Beckham's injury but Fabio Capello's main concern is Aaron Lennon's fitness.
In contention: Adam Johnson's England hopes have been raised
Photo: AFP
At present, however, Capello believes it is too early for Johnson, although he has earmarked the 22 year-old as a possibility for his squad after this summer's tournament. That could change if England suffer further injuries and if Joe Cole fails to regain his form at Chelsea.
Johnson is the player in form. He has not been daunted by his hefty £7 million price tag and gave a timely reminder of his qualities at Sunderland last Sunday, when his wonderful late shot earned City a point.
Lennon, however, is the major worry. He has not played for Tottenham Hotspur since the end of December following a groin injury with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp admitting he does not know when the winger will make his comeback. The concern is the scar tissue around the original wound.
Capello wants to take Lennon and Theo Walcott to South Africa with Shaun Wright-Phillips a possibility as Steven Gerrard's understudy on the left flank.
James Milner, who is versatile enough to play a number of roles, is a certainty for the squad while another player rated highly by Capello is Milner's Aston Villa team-mate Stewart Downing. Now that he is fit again, Downing is also is staking a claim.
Beckham was to be included to provide cover in central midfield as well as on the right. Now that he is unavailable, Capello will have to reconsider his options.