Fabio Capello is widely expected to include two fresh if familiar faces when he names his provisional England squad to face France next week.David Beckham and Theo Walcott both missed out on Capello's squad for his first match in charge but the England manager is close to choosing them for his second when he announces it on Thursday.
Beckham has declared his fitness after coming through several pre-season friendlies with Los Angeles Galaxy, and Capello sent out his assistant Franco Baldini to assess the 99-cap midfielder last week.
Meanwhile Walcott's recent displays for Arsenal have caught Capello's eye and it may be no coincidence that the winger-come-forward, who has just turned 19, is one of those "rested" from the England Under-21 squad.
The difficulty for Capello will be who to leave out in their place and it is understood the Italian will wait until Thursday morning - after the Manchester United v Bolton and Tottenham v Chelsea matches - to ensure there are no withdrawals due to injury.
Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and John Terry are certain to return to the England squad of 30, and there are spaces to fill among the defenders with Curtis Davies, Matthew Upson and Micah Richards - named in Capello's first squad in January - all missing due to injuries.
If Lampard and Beckham are to come in, then Stewart Downing and Michael Carrick could find their places in jeopardy, with Walcott possibly replacing Emile Heskey in attack.
Peter Crouch cannot be sitting comfortably either given that the Liverpool striker has played so few minutes for his club recently.
The goalkeeper choices are more straightforward as with Manchester City's Joe Hart named in the Under-21s, David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland can all expect the nod.
James has been in sparkling form - especially at those matches when Capello has been watching in person - and can expect to start between the posts against France next week.
Manchester City defender Richards, whose recovery from knee surgery will come just too late, believes James is the best choice.
The youngster said in his column on BBC Sport online: "He is one of the best keepers in the world. He is so big, strong and athletic. He has been error-prone before but he has really brushed up on that now. His all-round game is fantastic.
"I have known him since I was a kid at Manchester City and, when you play with somebody, you appreciate how good they are.
"The only question mark over him is whether he will still be the best when the 2010 World Cup finals come around, when he will be almost 40.
"And, if we are looking for a team for the future, then this is when you have to try out new players.
"But he is somebody for the younger keepers to learn off - he has been there and done it and learned from his mistakes - and, at present, I would pick him all day."
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