By Mark Ashenden BBC Sport at Craven Cottage

On 8 May, head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will name the squad of 23 players that he believes can win the World Cup for England.

Over the next few weeks, speculation is sure to continue as to the exact make-up of the group as the build-up to the finals in Germany intensifies.

In the sixth of a series of scouting missions, BBC Sport and the fans run the rule over Fulham's on-loan left-back Wayne Bridge, focusing on his performance in the 3-1 defeat at home to Portsmouth.

A year ago, Bridge would have settled for just getting his boots back on - getting on a plane to Germany this summer would have been a distant dream.

WAYNE BRIDGE FACTFILE Born: 5.8.80, Southampton Clubs: Southampton, Chelsea, Fulham Career games: 238 Career goals: 5 England debut: vs Holland 13.2.2002 England caps: 22

But having overcome a virus, an ankle fracture and being surplus to requirements at Chelsea, the 25-year-old is back in action after a loan-move to Fulham.

His international career is officially back on track.

Bridge first pulled on the England shirt in 2002 against a lively Dutch side, and impressed so much he went on to make two appearances at the World Cup.

Four years on and 22 caps later he is pushing Ashley Cole hard for the first-team spot at left-back.

Sven-Goran Eriksson appears to be a big fan, particularly having started Bridge despite his lack of fitness against Argentina last November.

He also played in the 2-1 win over Uruguay at the beginning of March. Since then he has played just twice for Fulham, so is he ready for World Cup duties?

Bridge's confidence must have been dented with Jose Mourinho happy to wave him goodbye.

Although not surrounded by the global superstars he was at Stamford Bridge, he must be delighted to be back playing and building up his fitness.

The game against Portsmouth was only his seventh Premiership outing in 2006 and the pressure would have been on with a certain Mr Eriksson sitting in the stands.

And within 40 seconds of kick-off, Bridge's plane ticket could well have been heading for the bin.

A Benjani Mwaruwari cross from the left saw Bridge flapping at the back post and Gary O'Neil took full advantage. It was a disastrous start, highlighting a lack of sharpness and a discomfort using his weaker right foot.

His head could have easily bowed heavily for the rest of the game, but Bridge never ceased to want the ball and he put in a number of strong tackles on the magnificent Lomana Lua Lua.

But like Ashley Cole, Bridge's game is based on deft touches, bursting forward and ball distribution. He did not disappoint against Portsmouth.

His link-up play with Steed Malbranque and Brian McBride was impressive and not one of his passes failed to find his team-mates' feet. His heading was also dependable.

And when Fulham were down to 10 men for the final 15 minutes Bridge's attacking talents really came to the fore covering both the midfield and defence on the left.

I think he should definitely be in the squad. He's an exceptional player and has done really well since his arrival at Craven Cottage.
Halle, Fulham fan.

Bridge is a top quality left-back who has had some great matches this season. He is a certainty (barring injury) for the squad but a fit Ashley Cole would be ahead of him in the team. England are lucky that they have such an array of talent in defence.
Philosophy of football, via messageboards

He should definitely be at the World Cup. His quality sticks out like a sore thumb in our squad. OK, he made a mistake for Pompey's first goal, but he made up for it with some searing runs down the left and some quality passing.
Brian McBrides Laser Eyes, via messageboards

You wouldn't want to book his passage to Germany on the first minute against Portsmouth. If Cole is fit he's the man, but Bridge has got zip and class.
David, Fulham fan

I think Bridge should definitely be in the England squad along with Zat Knight and Liam Rosenior. England haven't won the World Cup without a Fulham player! Ashley Cole is first choice but Bridge is needed as the understudy, as well as providing an option on the left-hand side of midfield.
DiopsDance, via messageboards

He's a class above the rest of the Fulham players. He links up well with Boa Morte. There aren't too many alternatives for England are there, so why not?
Clive, Fulham fan

Fulham boss Chris Coleman rates Wayne Bridge highly and thinks he and Ashley Cole should both be at the forefront of Eriksson's thoughts.

"Wayne and Ashley are the two best left-backs in the country. Cole is marginally better going forward but I think Wayne is a better defender," Coleman said.

"He has a better positional sense and he plays off the centre-back much better. I've said from day one that we've always admired Wayne."

Bridge has only played a handful of games for Fulham this season but Coleman believes he has the potential to shine in Germany.

Bridge shows his pace on the left

"It's not been easy for him since he came here. He's not been match fit and he's been thrown in from the off. He's coped with it unbelievably," Coleman added.

"He's gone from strength to strength. Maybe I'm biased, but if Wayne keeps doing what he's doing, he's got to be a must for the World Cup.

"If you look at his form for us, he's been fantastic. All he has to do is keep fit."

There is no doubt a 100% fit Wayne Bridge would already be dusting down his passport and brushing up on his "guten tags" and "auf wiedersehens".

Eriksson clearly likes him and the fact the Swede was present at Craven Cottage shows that Bridge remains part of his plans.

His lapse of concentration against Portsmouth will be a worry, but for a man still on the road to recovery and playing a team fighting for their lives, his one mistake in the game is likely to be forgiven.

BRIDGE'S COMPETITION Ashley Cole, Phil Neville, Stephen Warnock

Something else in his favour is the cloud - larger than his own - hanging over Ashley Cole's fitness.

The two players are remarkably similar. Neither are 'roll up your sleeves and get stuck in' types, as is the case with John Terry.

But being comfortable on the ball, having the ability to distribute it in ways other than a 60-yard punt and the speed to compete with the world's finest is very much part of Bridge's repertoire.

If he plays for the rest of the season, his fitness and sharpness is guaranteed. The question is then likely to be, not will he be part of the England squad, but will he be lining up against Paraguay on 10 June?