Centre Back

The dead certs

Sol Campbell and Titus Bramble, sorry...John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will be our first choice centre halves during the summer as long as both are fit. A year ago I couldn't have been more confident with that pairing but with them both struggling with form and fitness this year it's not as solid as it once was. An in form partnership of our deposed captain and new skipper will be absolutely vital if we are to stand any chance in the competition.



The back up

Matthew Upson has deputised numerous times in the England back 4, he appears to be Capello's go-to replacement for Ferdinand or Terry, should one be injured. This is one decision I really don't agree with Fabio on, with Upson playing the entirety of the season in poor form, for club and country. Unconvincing and nervous, not exactly two traits of a world cup winner.



The should be goings

Although he may not be getting a Christmas card from Arsene Wenger, Ryan Shawcross has been sublime this season. A true no nonsense, no thrills defender, he can be relied on to do a good job if called upon. His dominance in either box has been a major factor in Stoke City retaining Premiership status for a second year running.
Gary Cahill was also having a fantastic season before he was unfortunately ruled out with a blood clot in his arm. Also developed an eye for goal this season, Cahill has undoubtedly been Bolton's star performer in what is otherwise an unconvincing back line, it remains to be seen whether he can do enough to convince Capello he is worth a place, having only last week returned to first team action.
Joleon Lescott suffered originally following his £24 million transfer this summer, I did wonder why we replaced Richard Dunne with him; but since late November he has shown every inch of his class and exactly why Mark Hughes decided to spend so much money on him. Composed on the ball and committed in the tackle, when Lescott is on form he is up there with the best of them, just ask Didier Drogba once he climbs out of Joleon's pocket, after two magnificent displays against Chelsea this season summed up why he was so highly rated at Everton. Which brings me nicely onto...


The outside shots

Phil Jagielka missed most of the season with cruciate ligament damage, but has made his way back into the Everton first team recently. There aren't many better headers of the ball in the premier league and his relationship with Lescott last year was a major factor in Everton's tremendous season.
Started the season in League 2 but could yet win a Premiership winners medal, it's been quite the season for Sol Campbell. He's looked surprisingly solid since his return to Arsenal, however despite his international experience, all of the above players must surely be ahead of him in the ranks. There's always a suprise pick though...