England Manager Fabio Capello Taking Only Fully Fit Players To South Africa

"If Rio will play the games before the last squad, for me he is fit and will go to the World Cup.

"In that situation he can stay. We spoke about King and it is impossible for him to stay with us. Sometimes he trains Friday to play Saturday."

Goalkeeper David James is also a concern as his recent knee injury keeps the Portsmouth stopper from quick recuperation.

"He's playing well but his problem is he can't train for two days (after) each game," Capello said. "It's one problem we have to decide.

"I'm happy because Foster played well, Green plays well. And James has this problem and we have to decide what we'll do. I'm happy with the keepers, no problem."

Capello has not closed the door on Michael Owen maintaining, "He is in the provisional squad."

Capello was also complimentary of Sunderland's Darren Bent.

"He's playing very well and scoring goals. He's improved a lot this year. Sometimes it's very important for a player to play."

Kieran Gibbs will stay with the Under-21s despite making several first team appearances for Arsenal in the absence of the injured Gael Clichy.

"Gibbs is a really good player, he's very interesting for the future of the England team," Capello said. "But he's young and now he has to play in a really important game for the Under-21s against Portugal at Wembley."

Capello plans to use the Brazil encounter as a test to see how well-prepared his side are for next summer's competition.

"I think it will be important for us to understand where we are.

"It is very important to note the different style that they play. Also we are playing against players at a very high level. This is very, very important. The same problems we will have to face at the World Cup.

"Brazil play like a team now, not waiting for a stroke of genius from one player.

Will Ashwell, Goal.com UK