Former Aston Villa boss Ron Atkinson has heaped praise on James Milner's form this season.
Atkinson identifies the quality and versatility of Milner as crucial ingredients in Villa's increasingly potent mix.
He raved: "Milner has been brilliant for them.
"I've been an admirer of his for a long time and this season he's been absolutely terrific, scoring great goals, creating and working hard for the team.
"The great thing about him is that he can play anywhere across the midfield, wide or in a central role, off a striker or even at right-back. And that could be an important consideration for England as well.
"He's a shoo-in for England's World Cup squad because he can play in so many positions.
"If he keeps playing as he is for Villa, there can be no doubt he'll be on the plane to South Africa."