Joe Hart was today handed an unexpected chance to stake his claim for a starting role against the USA on Saturday after being named in the 1st XI against the Platinum All Stars this afternoon.
Hart appears to be in direct competition with Robert Green to start the game against the Americans and Fabio Capello picked the Manchester City man for this last warm-up match.
David James looks to be running out of time to impress the coach having picked up a slight knee injury on the journey over from London last week.
Capello chose to pick a strong group of outfield players, although Wayne Rooney was left on the bench with Jermain Defoe - who opened the scoring inside five minutes before the home team missed a penalty - partnering his Peter Crouch in attack.
The Italian also gave a strong indication of who will start in midfield against Bob Bradley's USA team, with Chelsea's Joe Cole getting an opportunity on the left of midfield and Shaun Wright-Phillips playing instead of Aaron Lennon wide on the right.
It was no surprise, however, to see Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard paired together in central midfield because Gareth Barry is highly unlikely to feature on Saturday night.
There was no sign of experimentation with the back four as Glen Johnson, John Terry, Ledley King and Ashley Cole took to the field as expected.
American coach Bradley also has selection dilemmas ahead of the clash in Rustenburg.
Striker Edson Buddle did not feature in qualifying but the 29-year-old was handed a chance against Australia in Saturday's final warm-up international in Johannesburg and responded with two goals in a 3-1 success.
They were the LA Galaxy player's first at senior level in only his third appearance.
With Jozy Altidore, top USA scorer in qualifying, still an injury doubt Buddle is hoping he has forced his way into contention.
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He said: "I was so pleased to get my first senior goals and it gives me a lot of confidence to go forward into the England game."
