While a succession of newcomers have been tipped for inclusion in Capello's squad, including Wolves' Matt Jarvis and Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd, both of whom were named in the expanded provisional party, Carroll is the one player who can be reasonably sure of his place.

With Darren Bent, Bobby Zamora, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney all ruled out, there is a space available.

And given the alternatives, it is hard to see how Capello would not select the 21-year-old, despite his well-publicised off-field problems.

Carroll has shone as Newcastle's number nine this term and could even start against the 2006 World Cup final runners-up if Capello deems him to be a better bet that either Kevin Davies or Peter Crouch, both of whom seem set to keep their places.

The relative lack of striking options mean Capello could end up in the strange position of having tough selections to make in certain parts of his team and dealing with a lack of options in others.

Theo Walcott is available after missing the draw against Montenegro last month and the same is also true of Everton defender Phil Jagielka.

Both men played significant roles in England's excellent start to Euro 2012 qualifying but now face additional competition.

For Walcott, that comes in the form of Manchester City's Adam Johnson, whilst Jagielka now must cope with the knowledge both skipper Rio Ferdinand and long-time central defensive partner John Terry are both ready for action.

In addition, Capello also has Joleon Lescott at his disposal, although that particular member of the City squad knows his England position is vulnerable as the increasingly-limited opportunities he is getting at Eastlands have been confined to the left-back slot.

The contrast could not be greater than at right-back, where Glen Johnson would be an automatic selection if he recovers from a groin injury.

As Wes Brown and Luke Young have both retired from international duty, Capello's options if Johnson is not fit would appear to revolve around the uncapped Danny Simpson and Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards, who has never made an appearance for the Italian and was selected for Under-21 duty, and the versatile James Milner.