Phil Jagielka is expected to start in defence when England take on Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday.
Fabio Capello's side are back in competitive action for the first time since their World Cup failure, and with Rio Ferdinand and John Terry absent through injury, Jagielka - who scored an own goal in the friendly win over Hungary in August - is expected to partner Matthew Upson in defence despite missing training this week.
Frank Lampard is also out for England, so Theo Walcott is expected to play on the wing given his good recent club from and Arsenal. That would leave Gareth Barry and James Milner to aid captain Steven Gerrard in the midfield and there could even be room for another midfield man if Wayne Rooney is selected on his own up front.
Jemain Defoe and Carlton Cole are hoping to partner Rooney, while Joe Hart will continue in goal with Ben Foster on the bench. Other than Gerrard, Rooney and Hart's inclusions, the only thing sure is that Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole will be the full backs.
Bulgaria did not qualify for South Africa and Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov has retired since their last campaign. The sometimes brilliant, often lazy, striker had been captain and his absence means that former Manchester City man forward Valeri Bojinov is likely to lead the line.
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov should captain the side against England as the visitors look to cause an upset and heap further pressure on under-fire Capello, who would please the masses were he to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation and give Rooney advanced support from the flanks, rather than pack the midfield with defensive players in a 4-4-2.