D-DAY is approaching for Fabio Capello and his World Cup squad.
It must be an agonising choice for the Italian to have to end the dreams of seven of his players in a week's time.
Even Paul Ince, a shoo-in after playing a key role on the way to the 1998 Finals, admitted to the News of the World he was dreading the axe from Glenn Hoddle.
So it's probably true that even some of the most seasoned professionals will still have a twinge of doubt in their minds when Capello whittles his squad down to 23.
The goalkeepers are settled - all three will travel, it's just choosing a number one that is proving problematic. Robert Green was excellent against Mexico, boosting his hopes, but Joe Hart was typically assured as his half-time replacement. David James looks set to play some part against Japan on Sunday.
In defence, captain Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are the first-choice back four. Jamie Carragher will travel too as cover for Johnson and in the middle while Ledley King has secured his seat on the plane.
Either Leighton Baines or Stephen Warnock will act as stand-in for Ashley Cole and the Everton man looks in pole position.
That leaves Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson probably battling it out for one spot if Capello takes eight defenders. Upson has featured extensively during the campaign and it would be a cruel blow to the West Ham stopper if he misses out.
Carragher's versatility does mean the England boss could opt for an additional midfielder instead but doubts over Ferdinand and King's fitness means Capello is probably going to err on the side of caution.
There's still a big question mark over Gareth Barry's participation and he is being given every chance to prove his fitness.
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and James Milner are the only three absolutely guaranted midfield travellers.
Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon appear nailed on for wing slots and Michael Carrick should go to South Africa, unless his poor first half performance on Monday night counts against him.
With eight midfield places up for grabs, that leaves five players battling for one place if Barry is fit and Carrick is retained as his stand-in.
It seems a real conundrum with Joe Cole, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Scott Parker and Shaun Wright-Phillips all sweating on their inclusion.
The best option is to treat the Japan friendly as an audition for some of these stars, even if there will be the temptation to field the strongest XI at this late stage.
Huddlestone could still force Carrick out but Parker's chances must be regarded as very slim. There is also the prospect that King could play the holding role in midfield at a push.
So a flank player is the obvious last spot, even if Milner and Gerrard can both play out wide.
Joe Cole, Adam Johnson and Wright-Phillips have each got claims and should all be given a chance to impress in Austria.
Chelsea ace Cole, whose contract is up at Stamford Bridge, was publicly criticised by Capello who suggested he wasn't the player he remembered. Injuries have taken their toll but he's still popular among fans and the media and is the sort of player who is ideal for tournament football - witness his sensational goal against Sweden at the last World Cup.
Or does Capello go for youth in the shape of Johnson, who is pretty fearless and will be fit and raring to go? A classic winger, he could make a real difference against tiring defences with his positive dribbling.
And there's Wright-Phillips. Some will argue he's already had too many chances but he is capable of making things happen at international level and there's no doubting his unpredictable talent.
If pressed, we're going to suggest there could be a surprise with Manchester City's Johnson getting the nod if he shines on Sunday.
It's just that he has more speed than Cole and, if Lennon or Walcott were injured or suspended, the likes of Gerrard, Cole and even Milner would only be able to offer a different kind of threat. That said, Wright-Phillips has even more pace so it's impossible to rule him out either.
It's more straightforward in attack.
Wayne Rooney is the first name on the team sheet and Peter Crouch has won over Capello with his consistency.
Jermain Defoe shouldn't miss out again, like he did last time around, which leaves Emile Heskey and Darren Bent.
Heskey is a players' player and Capello clearly appreciates his work but he's not been good enough to get in Aston Villa's side for much of the season and must be worried.
It would take a heartless coach to ditch somebody who contributed to so much to the qualification campaign but stern Capello is hardly here to make friends.
Nonetheless, unless Bent gets an opportunity he is able to take at the weekend, it's difficult to see him being able to usurp Heskey.
An injury niggle kept him off the bench at Wembley and it has come at the worst possible time for the Sunderland striker.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson.
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Theo Walcott.
Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.
Let us know which seven players you'd drop by using the feedback form below.
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