My ambition of watching England in South Africa has been given a major boost today. The flight has been booked.

After weeks of getting nowhere fast, I have today secured some accommodation and booked my flight to Johannesburg. This morning, my best mate, who has already booked three weeks in South Africa, called to say that there was room for me where he is staying. So that's me sleeping on a floor for eight nights in a secure residential apartment. Then, looking through the internet this afternoon, I was astonished to find a BA direct flight for £712. I booked it on the spot, bargain. To cap it all, it is the exact same flight my friend is using. I am very relieved not to be travelling on my own.

We’re going out on Friday, June 24 at 9am from Heathrow and coming back at 9am on Sunday 4th July. Eight action-packed days.

Paying for it? That’s to be worked on.

It's got me thinking about who else might be going, especially in terms of England strikers and goalkeepers. Experts and fans alike are all talking about who should go and who should be left at home.

Goal keepers

Since the days of Shilton/Clements and later Seamen we have not had a world class keeper to call upon. The present crop of keepers are brilliant most of the time but are prone to a 'few' errors. In my humble opinion Mr Capello shouldn't look much further than Portsmouth's David James as first choice keeper if fit. Ok, calamity may have had the odd 'problem' over the years but he comes with proven experience at all levels.

West Ham's Robert Green seems to be the popular choice, starting six England matches on the spin 2008/9. He got himself sent off against Ukraine which could put a black mark against him.

I like Man United's Ben Foster. Sir Alex gave him a big chance earlier in the season which didn't quite work out. His chances are slim. Then there is Joe Hart of Birmingham City. The team have been in great form this season and many put it down to the keeper.

I am watching Birmingham at Pompey on 9th March and look forward to seeing James and Hart in action. If fit, both players should be on the plane to Jo'burg.

Strikers

My mates are getting fed up with me saying ' so and so could score the winning goal in the World Cup final'.

It's true to say that we have a number of world class strikers at this time. Fabio has a major headache on his hands choosing who to pair up with Rooney (Man Utd) and Defoe (Spurs) - surely both bang on certainties if fit. How about ex-Brighton sensation Bobby Zamora? After a slow Premier League start, he is flying at Fulham and would be popular local choice. Peter Crouch is another with chances. He brings a lot more to the game other than scoring goals. Villa's Emile Heskey is a popular Capello choice but I am not sure about his goal ratio. A consummate professional but not a world beater.

I throw in the name Michael Owen. Scored at Wembley today but limped off injured. He has bags of world cup experience and could just come up with that winning goal. Other names to consider are Gabriel Agbonlahor (Villa) Darren Bent (Sunderland) and Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

I would take the following five strikers if fit: Rooney, Defoe, Crouch, Agbonlahor and Owen with Zamora in reserve.

Luckily, I am not the national coach.