By Chris Bevan BBC Sport at White Hart Lane

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 latest of a series of scouting missions, BBC Sport and the fans run the rule over Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas as he tries to stay in Eriksson's thoughts.

Jenas has been a regular presence in the England squad since making his debut as a teenager against Australia in February 2003.

But 12 of his 15 caps have come as a substitute and his career at international level is yet to burst into life - there has been no defining moment thus far.

When he has played, Jenas has primarily been used on the right wing for England - but has been used across midfield as well as up front and at right-back by Tottenham boss Martin Jol since his �7m move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day in August 2005.

His last England appearance, as a substitute for Steven Gerrard in the friendly win over Uruguay in March, showed that Eriksson is considering him as an option in the centre of midfield as well as out wide.

Eriksson is known to be a fan of versatile players, especially to take to the finals of major tournaments - but with his squad status seemingly stuck in the back-up category, will Jenas make the plane or miss the cut as he did for Euro 2004?

Not for the first time this season, Spurs boss Martin Jol employed Jenas in a deeper, central role against Manchester City.

He partnered another England hopeful Michael Carrick in the middle of the park and teamed up with him to great effect.

JERMAINE JENAS FACTFILE Born: 18.2.83 Clubs: Nott'm Forest, Newcastle, Tottenham Career games: 215 Career goals: 24

Jenas was primarily the holding midfielder, playing short passes either to Carrick, wide to either flank or back to his defence.

Initially he rarely tried to instigate an attack either with a pass or with the ball at his feet - instead leaving that side of the game to Carrick.

But as Spurs took control of the midfield area, Jenas became more willing to move the ball forward and risk losing possession. He also made more forward runs himself, although not at the expense of his side losing their shape.

His two efforts on goal were both from free-kicks. Both were curling shots and on target but did not stretch City keeper David James.

His best moment of the game came from a Tottenham free-kick just inside their half. Jenas ran into space, demanded the ball on the edge of the area and crossed for Robbie Keane to slot home, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Despite his role being primarily a defensive one, he rarely committed himself in a tackle. Instead his game was about covering ground and closing down opponents and he did this well.

Jenas did not look to shine individually but played his part in an impressive team performance

Jenas is a mixed bag but he's still learning his game. I think he's borderline at the moment but there's fierce competition in the England midfield. One for the future maybe but recent form has suggested that he's not the finished article by any means.
Simon, Tottenham fan.

No he should not go to Germany. He drifts in and out of games too much. He has scored five for us this season - and in important games too - but he lacks a cutting edge. Has improved defensively but needs to impose himself more. One for the future (although he has been for the last five years!).
elofapel, via messageboards

He has been inconsistent for us this season but he is still a player you like to see in the team. For England you know he is just going to be a substitute but at least he brings a bit of dynamism when he comes on.
Ian, Tottenham fan.

He is a consistent player and he never seems to play badly - he never really seems to put a foot wrong. He won't gamble and try to do something amazing, instead he always keeps it simple which isnt amazing to watch but can sometimes put results on the board.
Thunder-Spud, via messageboards

Jenas should go for his versatility. He is probably the only midfielder who could do a decent job on the right, left or in the middle. He is good cover and works his socks off. He should go.
englands-number-one, via messageboards

He is a decent midfielder but he should have more goals by now given the attributes he possesses. And if he is clearly not good enough to start for England and is not an impact player like Shaun Wright-Phillips, who can come on and change a game then should he be in the squad. I am not sure what he will bring to the team.
Martyn, Tottenham fan

Tottenham boss Martin Jol is used to fielding questions about whether Jermain Defoe should make the England squad for the World Cup finals but has said far less about whether Jenas should make the final 23.

It is clear however that Jol is delighted that Jenas is part of Tottenham's legion of England players and also that he rates him highly.

Jol said: "I think Jermaine will develop into a great player.

"I'm always proud when our players play for England.

"I think we'll really be doing well when all our Spurs players are in the England team as regulars, like Paul Robinson.

"Ledley King will hopefully play because when you look at him I don't think there is another central defender with the qualities he's got.

"Michael Carrick has got his chance and Jermaine Jenas is a real talent, he's proved that for us this season. Jermain Defoe can play off anyone, Crouch or Rooney, and hopefully he will get a game as well."

Jenas has not become complacent about joining his club-mates at the World Cup, adding: "I think the door is still open for everyone. Any manager is going to want to take his best squad in terms of form to the World Cup and he has said there are still a few places left.

"But of course it won't just be us who are competing for them, there are a lot of good players all over the country who must have an eye on the World Cup, so we all need to be on our best form."

It was easy to be impressed by Jenas against City. He did the simple things - but he did them well.

JENAS'S COMPETITION Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ledley King, Phil Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Kieron Dyer, Kieran Richardson, Nicky Butt

Eriksson trusts him in a number of positions, and he has the mobility and discipline needed to operate in any of them.

But although Jenas is almost a certainty to make the squad for Germany it is equally safe to assume that he will not be challenging for a starting berth anywhere in the England midfield.

His form this season has been steady rather than spectacular, and he has not done anything near enough to challenge the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard or David Beckham.

His attacking play needs work, particularly his finishing - he has not scored enough goals for someone with his combination of pace and awareness - and his astonishing miss against Newcastle on 1 April shows he lacks composure in front of goal.

Defensively he needs to toughen up in the tackle too.

At 23, Jenas has time on his side to establish himself as an England regular rather than just a squad member but he may have to wait longer than this summer to get his chance.