Fabio Capello will not even think about filling in the blanks on his World Cup wallchart until next April.

The England coach believes he has seven spaces still to be occupied, with last night's goalscorers Peter Crouch and Shaun Wright-Phillips both on this list of possibles rather than probables.

A game of second-guessing is already underway, with various theories being put forward for the precise list of 23 men who will carry England's hopes in South Africa next summer.

It is a futile task though. For the man himself is not even going to think about it for six months.

"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 seven players who will stay with us."

Given the build-up to England's previous two World Cup finals campaigns were completely dominated by the broken metatarsals that ultimately did not stop David Beckham or Wayne Rooney play but badly restricted their effectiveness, Capello is right not to start planning too soon.

A pattern is developing though.

For instance, it is impossible not to conclude Ben Foster will get a ticket instead of Joe Hart given the under-pressure Manchester United keeper did not even receive a call-up until Sunday afternoon, only to then gain his third cap ahead of Hart once David James had pulled out.

If Capello's private thoughts about James Milner's performance at left-back were similar to his public ones, the Aston Villa man's flexibility could get him to South Africa head of Wayne Bridge, even if Joe Cole finds form and fitness for Chelsea.

"Milner did well," said the Italian.

"He is a really good player. He can play midfield, winger, left-back or right-back. He can play in every position apart from centre-forward and centre-back. That is very important."

So far, so easy to read. David Beckham can safely be shunted up from the possibles to the probables once another short-term loan at AC Milan is agreed.

The former skipper may be too old in the eyes of some. But the 34-year-old retains an unerring ability to make things happen.

Capello has noted a continuing ability to have an impact, no matter how limited Beckham's time on the field that will not be ignored now the Italian's plea has been heard and a temporary exit from LA Galaxy has been agreed.

"I spoke with David and told him if he wants to come to the World Cup with us, he has to come over here and play," revealed Capello.

Even a downbeat assessment of Crouch's contribution brought an inescapable thought the Tottenham man would miss out, although that eye-catching scoring record - four in three competitive starts for Capello and 16 from 17 overall as part of a scoring record of 18 in 35 internationals - is a rate that even Wayne Rooney cannot match and will count in his favour on judgement day.

It is little asides that are harder to interpret.

Wright-Phillips appears to be scrapping with Aaron Lennon for one spot. As the Manchester City winger completed the full game last night, and scored, the night seemed to have gone in his favour.

There is a but.

"At the moment we got the corner, I told Wright-Phillips he had to go towards Beckham," revealed Capello.

"He went. He received the ball. He shot and scored.

"I was happy for this and he did well. But I don't know why I had to tell him. He needs to see these things alone."

An inability to think and react quickly is a weakness not easily rectified. Capello will wrestle with such issues until April, in addition to pouring over twice-weekly medical bulletins from now until the end of May.

It promises to be an anxious few months. The sense of starting again will only be enhanced by a break after next month's friendly with Brazil in Qatar that means Capello will only have his squad together for three days ahead of a friendly on March 3 in a six-month spell between November and May.

Capello can do little about that. All he can do is acknowledge, after nine wins from 10 and 33 goals scored, qualification could not have gone any better.

"No," he agreed, before correcting. "Just perhaps if we played 11 versus 11 in the Ukraine."