So when it's all said and done, who will be the eleven that pull the shirts over their heads and face France at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk on Monday? With England players dropping like flies the starting eleven is starting to look slightly depleted. So based on what we have seen from 1-0 victories over Norway and Belgium here is the likely line-up.
Goalkeeper: This is a position that pretty much chooses itself, and probably will for the next 10 years, Hart is regarded by many as one of the worlds finest.
Defence: Cahill's injury and Ferdinand's omission paves the way for the in form Lescott to partner Terry in the heart of defence ahead of Jagielka. No Micah Richards and an injury plagued Kyle Walker means Glen Johnson has no real competition and one of only two survivors from the 2000 England squad means few would argue Cole should retain his place at left back.
Midfield: Plenty of injuries for England in midfield, the most notable been Frank Lampard, but many believe his absence could be a blessing in disguise because Gerrard and Lampard have never really fitted into a system that works. Parker seems a sure starter along the other surviving member of the 2000 squad, the captain Gerrard. Ashley Young will have probably done enough to cement his first team place after an assist and a goal helping Hodgeson to his first two victories at the helm of the England side. Milner is most likely to start after impressing with his contributions so far, the fact he can play anywhere along the midfield will surely give his chances a great boost of playing a big role in Poland/Ukraine. Walcott is the least likely to have confirmed his starting role from the midfield mentioned with Downing and Oxlade-Chamberlain set to be given chances to strut their stuff.
Forwards: Looking at it from the perspective of tactics, Hodgeson may well lean towards the more naturally suited to the target man role in Carol to fit in with the 4-5-1 system he looks set to play. But with Welbeck's goal at Wembley on Saturday Roy may well have a selection head ache. One things for sure though, when Rooney's ban comes to an end, Welbeck, Carol & Defoe are unlikely to get a sniff.
ENGLAND SQUAD IN FULL:
Goalkeepers - Joe Hart, Robert Green, Jack Butland.
Defenders - Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Phil Jagielka, Martin Kelly.
Midfielders - Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard (captain), Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young.
Strikers - Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.
