Injury problems abound for Sven Goran Eriksson, especially in the midfield department, which is why he is keeping his 'fingers crossed' that captain courageous David Beckham is fit to lead England against both Macedonia and Liechtenstein after the Real Madrid star reported a slight groin strain after last night's game against Villareal.
Becks took a bit of a battering from his Spanish markers - and even had to avoid an on-rushing fan at the end of the 1-1 draw - but Eriksson is hopeful the skipper will get the all clear to start in Skopje on Saturday, saying: "We will have to see what it is like (the injury) but I don't think it will be a problem."
What is a problem for Sven, however, is working out what his midfield line-up will be as Steven Gerrard and Trevor Sinclair joined Paul Scholes on the absent list. There are question marks too against the fitness of Kieron Dyer and Nicky Butt, so Eriksson has got some serious thinking to do over the next few days - and the physios will be working overtime.
Rio Ferdinand is also a doubt for the game and Eriksson, who has called in Matthew Upson as back-up, admitted: "We have to wait until Rio Ferdinand sees the doctor to find out if he comes with us.''
With so many doubts in midfield, the fitness of Butt could be crucial as he will probably play the anchor role in midfield if fit.
Providing Becks fills his usual role, it will leave two other places vacant in the engine room. I wouldn't be surprised to finally see Owen Hargreaves get an opportunity to start in his rightful position in the middle, which will give England fans more than a glimpse of how good he is.
For me, Frank Lampard has to get the other starting shirt as he is the most likely of our midfielders to offer a goal threat and that could be critical on what is sure to be a tense afternoon.
The formation is bound to give Eriksson sleepless nights before Saturday until he can find the winning formula.
Nevertheless, the canny Swede has plenty of striking options up front and is delighted with the form of his three main men, Michael Owen, who scored a brace against Everton on Saturday, James Beattie, who bagged the winner against Manchester United on Sunday and Wayne Rooney who looks like he is back to full fitness and scored a wonder goal at Charlton ten days ago.
Beattie, who made his full debut in the debacle against Australia in February, is anxious to be given a chance against the Macedonians so he can continue developing his game at all levels.
He said: "I want to keep improving, but the most important thing is experience, especially at the top level. You are never going to get used to playing at the top level unless you are given the chance to do so regularly. The more you play for England the better you are going to get and I hope that will be the way it goes with me.
"I'm delighted to have scored such a big goal against United as it has given me a real lift going into the international break. I've been fairly happy with my own form yet I feel I should have got five goals by now instead of two.
"Gordon Strachan has told me that I am not in the same class as someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy and I know there is still along way for me to go as a player and I feel there is a lot of improvement left in me."
Gary Neville is also getting excited about the national squad and claims it is the most exciting he has ever been part of and believes major honours are a real possibility for the future.
"If the core of the tem stays fit then we have a real chance in the next two tournaments, because we have enough quality and the age of the team is right," he said. "This is an exciting team and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be pushing for the semi finals of a major championships."
