I know the XI that will play against the USA says Capello

It is almost four weeks since England's coach got his players together to begin preparations at their altitude training base in Austria.

Since then England have managed three unconvincing victories, Capello has chopped seven men from his provisional squad, lost captain Rio Ferdinand to injury and decided who will go into battle in Rustenburg at the weekend.

"It has been a really long period to the first game but I think we are now fit to play against the USA," Capello said. "I have decided on my goalkeeper and I know the XI that will play Saturday. I just hope after training (today) all the players will be fit."

It means the guessing game is on to find out just who will be walking out behind captain Steven Gerrard this weekend although most of the team selects itself.

Ledley King is favoured to edge out Matthew Upson and partner John Terry in central defence.

Glen Johnson is vying for the right-back role with club-mate Jamie Carragher, a fight the former's recent shaky performances mean he might lose.

In central midfield, a decision to pull Gerrard back to partner Frank Lampard would be offset by Joe Cole's return to form, while Aaron Lennon and Emile Heskey should provide the pace and power Wayne Rooney can profit from.

The goalkeeping position is more tricky. Joe Hart has apparently been training well but it would go against Capello's instincts to select a young player who has played neither a full game, nor a competitive one for his country.

Twelve months ago, David James was viewed as the No 1, since when injury has badly disrupted his international career.

Capello pulled him out of only his second international in 14 months at half-time against Japan, and left him sitting on the bench throughout Monday's encounter with the Platinum Stars, which appears to leave Robert Green in pole position.