Position: Defender
Born: 05.08.80
Club: Chelsea

Although Wayne Bridge has never started for England in a major tournament - and has made just two ill-fated appearances for his country since November 2004 - the Chelsea man stands an excellent chance of lining up at left-back against Paraguay on June 10.

His place on the plane to Germany looked in serious doubt at the turn of the year but a successful loan spell at Fulham and lingering doubts over Ashley Cole's fitness now make him a strong contender for a starting place.

The former Southampton defender made a late burst to reach the squad the last time a World Cup rolled around, and ended up making two substitute appearances in the group stages in 2002.

And although Cole has been first choice for almost all of Eriksson's reign, Bridge has been an able deputy.

The 25-year-old was sidelined for much of 2005 after an ankle fracture but returned to start against Argentina in November. However, he was replaced by Paul Konchesky at half-time after struggling to keep pace with Maxi Rodriguez.

In the transfer window, Fulham offered him the chance to play first-team football and after five outings for the Cottagers, Bridge looked to be back on track. But when Uruguay visited Anfield in March, Bridge was stretchered off after just half an hour after colliding with Paul Robinson.

Fortunately, he was back within a fortnight and although some hesitant defending has been punished in the Premiership, Bridge is looking like his old self again - at just the right time.