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Injured England skipper Rio Ferdinand is to stay with the squad at least until their World Cup opener against the United States on Saturday.
Ferdinand has been forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering a knee ligament injury in training on Friday — barely 24 hours after arriving in South Africa.
But the Manchester United central defender will be supporting his team-mates when they do battle with the USA in Rustenburg.
It is unclear at this stage whether Ferdinand will eventually return to England or if he intends to remain with the squad for an elongated period.
Meanwhile, Robbie Fowler believes Jamie Carragher is the man to replace Ferdinand at the heart of England's defence.
Tottenham defender Michael Dawson received a late call-up, but Ledley King and Matthew Upson are both potential candidates to partner John Terry at the back in England's opening game.
But Fowler urged Fabio Capello to look no further than Carragher, who has come out of international retirement to be part of England's World Cup squad.
Fowler said: “Rio is a big miss, he's a top-class player and has been a big part for England for years now.
“But we are blessed with a lot of good centre-halves. Michael Dawson will do a job if you need him — but you've also got Carragher.
“You know what you are getting with Jamie Carragher.
“He'll never let anyone down if he plays in that position.
“It remains to be seen if Fabio plays him there but you won't go far wrong if you do.”
After Ferdinand's injury, Capello handed the captaincy to Steven Gerrard. Fowler believes the Liverpool skipper will thrive under the responsibility — and he can even picture Gerrard lifting the World Cup.
“He's been an inspirational player for years, he leads from the front and it's not good for Rio to get injured but I think Steven will rise now and take England forward,” said Fowler.
