Fabio Capello cannot wait to test his growing England side against the team he regards as the best in the world next month.

After completing their World Cup qualifiers with a three-goal triumph over Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday, the Three Lions only have four friendlies to play before they launch their latest quest to lift the sport's greatest prize in South Africa next summer.

But the first, against five-times winners and current favourites Brazil in Qatar on November 14, promises to give Capello a useful guide as to where his present charges are in their development.

"It is a strong test," he said.

"It will be really important because it is the first time we will have played against a South American team.

"Not only this, they are the best in the world."

England's fortunes against other top sides have been mixed.

In Capello's second game in charge, England lost to France in Paris, while they also tasted defeat in Seville earlier this year when they were outplayed by Euro 2008 winners Spain.

However, in November a shadow squad recorded an excellent victory over Germany in Berlin, which must give Capello some cause for optimism.

While stand-out performances would clearly do those individuals no harm, Capello will only start analysing his options in any depth next April, by which time he will have a better idea who is fit and in form, and the members of his squad who are going to be drained after an arduous last month of their club campaigns.

"At this moment it is impossible to speak about 23 players who will be with us in South Africa," said Capello.

"I have my ideas but next April I will have to check how they all are.

"Sometimes at the start of a season, the players are strong. At the end they are tired. That will make a difference.

"It is not just about being fit. Psychologically they need to be right as well. Only once I know what that situation is can I decide on the players who will stay with us."

While there are obvious options available to Capello, it would be wrong to conclude the door is now closed to new entrants.

Even the Italian accepts it would be tough for an experienced player to break in having had no previous call-up during his 20-match reign so far.

But to youngsters like Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs, an opportunity still exists, even if Capello's non-plussed reaction when asked about Everton's Jack Rodwell suggests that particular teenager has no chance.

"Yes. It is possible," he said, when asked if a player who had not been selected could still end up at the World Cup.

"It would have to be a young player because I know the older ones better.

"We have four good young players already; James Milner, Aaron Lennon, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott. They can all improve even more this season."