ENGLAND boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has confessed that picking his 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup is proving the most difficult decision of his career - and it's little wonder.

Eriksson is understood to already know his starting 11 to take on Sweden on June 2, it's the fringe players on whom the Swede is undecided.

The England coach's team which recorded the historic 5-1 victory over Germany in September is close to the side most likely to start in Japan and South Korea.

Nick Barmby, who played on the left wing in Munich, is unlikely to board the plane to the Far East. The midfielder can't even force his way into Liverpool's side at present.

Against Paraguay both Kieron Dyer and Joe Cole were tried there with the latter impressing most.

Newcastle's Dyer had, by his own admisson, a 'stinker' at Anfield in the first half, whereas Cole's performance has almost certainly secured his place in the squad.

The other position up for grabs from that glorious evening in Germany is the left-back role.

Arsenal's Ashley Cole has been a regular under Eriksson when fit, but the emergence of Southampton's Wayne Bridge for his country has given the England chief something to ponder.

That would leave the following to complete the line-up: David Seaman in goal; Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in defence; David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard in midfield; with Emile Heskey and Michael Owen up front.

Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate is pushing Campbell hard for his place, especially as the Arsenal centre-back is currently out with a hamstring injury.

But, like Beckham and his broken foot, if Campbell can prove his fitness between now and the World Cup he should reclaim his place.

But it is the rest of the places in the squad giving Eriksson the biggest dilemma.

Seaman's back-up goalkeepers pick themselves with Leeds' Nigel Martyn and West Ham's David James obvious choices.

But defensively Eriksson must decide whether to take a fourth centre-back, Martin Keown or Ugo Ehiogu, or to take a couple of versatile players - with Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, Manchester United's Phil Neville or Leeds' Danny Mills in the frame.

In the middle of the pitch Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves is likely to be handed a World Cup place with his versatility a bonus Eriksson is unlikely to overlook. The England coach is also a big fan of Man. United's Nicky Butt, so he is another who can make plans for Japan.

The England boss has hinted that he could only take four strikers but the problem would be who to leave at home.

Aston Villa's Darius Vassell, with two goals in three caps, deserves his place along with Owen and Heskey, while Robbie Fowler and Teddy Sheringham can surely not be overlooked regardless of recent form.

So with 21 places virtually guaranteed, Eriksson must decide on the last two players to make the squad which is to be announced on May 7. Most probable to fill those remaining places, out of eight hopefuls, are Carragher and Mills, who Eriksson is known to admire.

Is this Sven's 23?

Goalkeepers: David Seaman (Arsenal), Nigel Martyn (Leeds), David James (West Ham).

Defenders: Gary Neville (Man Utd), Wayne Bridge (So'ton), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Leeds), Gareth Southgate (Boro), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Danny Mills (Leeds).

Midfield: David Beckham (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Paul Scholes (Man Utd), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern M), Joe Cole (West Ham), Nicky Butt (Man Utd).

Forwards: Michael Owen (Liverpool), Emile Heskey (Liverpool), Darius Vassell (Aston Villa), Teddy Sheringham (Spurs), Robbie Fowler (Leeds).

Standing-by: Wes Brown (Man Utd), Ugo Ehiogu (Boro), Danny Mills (Leeds), Phil Neville (Man Utd), Danny Murphy (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Martin Keown (Arsenal).