If England's beleaguered players thought they had left their problems in South Africa, they can think again.

While some of Fabio Capello's flops can dodge criticism of their sorry World Cup performances by disappearing abroad on holiday or hiding behind the gates of their luxury homes, others in the squad are fretting over where they will be playing next season.

It will take more than designer sunglasses, huge headphones and factor 40 to block out the rumours.

From stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard, whose future at Liverpool remains uncertain, to free agent Joe Cole and Manchester City transfer target James Milner, the World Cup was meant to be a distraction from domestic issues.

Instead they are home a fortnight early with crucial choices to make.

Here, Sportsmail highlights the players with big decisions ahead of them, and predicts where they are likely to be next season.

James is heading back to Portsmouth for talks but is out of contract and destined to leave.

Fulham are keen to take him as a replacement for Mark Schwarzer, while Tottenham and West Ham are also interested.

His main concern will be how much game time he is likely to get, especially as he is 40 on August 1, putting Fulham in the driving seat.

TRANSFER VALUE: Free

The damage done to Green's career by fumbling in Clint Dempsey's goal against the USA will become apparent over the summer.

West Ham have made no secret of their willingness to listen to offers for Green and he has one year left on his contract.

The 30-year-old has been consistent but they believe they can get similar quality for less money.

Fulham have shown interest, as well as in David James, while Stoke City may come into the equation.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £5m

Johnson arrived at the World Cup earmarked as the potential weak link in England's defence and did little to dispel that theory.

Good going forward but questionable elsewhere. That hasn't stopped interest from big clubs, though, with Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City monitoring developments at Liverpool and believing he can still be turned into a top defender.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £20m

He admits he has not had the best of years privately and, as his ill-advised smiles with Ledley King testify, still has an uncanny knack of being caught at the wrong time by paparazzi.

A move to Spain was on the cards before he joined Chelsea but his marriage and London came first.

Now the timing could be perfect as, at 29, he contemplates a change in his private life also.

He is the best left back in the world, though, and Chelsea won't sell him cheaply - especially to Jose Mourinho.

TRANSFER VALUE: £25m

Upson, 31, suffered more than most in England's loss to Germany, despite his consolation goal.

The ramifications will be felt keenly at Upton Park as they consider a sale and look to save on his wages of around £50,000 per week.

Sunderland have expressed interest, cash-strapped Liverpool have been linked but are unlikely and Tottenham consider him too old and expensive for now.

TRANSFER VALUE: £5m

No one would blame Gerrard for wanting a fresh start after the season he has just endured.

Frustrated with Liverpool's implosion and unable to salvage England's sinking ship, he has a month of hard contemplation ahead.

Talks with imminent new manager Roy Hodgson will be necessary but even he may be unable to prevent Gerrard finally being tempted by Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid - cost permitting.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £25m

Cole came into the England camp troubled and left asking similar questions after being used on the periphery of Fabio Capello's first team.

At 28 he is still one of the best free agents available, despite what Chelsea may think, and now has something to prove. AC Milan, Inter and Roma have all come into the reckoning but it is likely to be a straight choice between Tottenham and Arsenal for the Londoner.

TRANSFER VALUE: Free

Milner's future as an England player of the future is assured but he faces a crucial career choice this week.

A transfer request to Aston Villa will underline his intention to move on to grander things, although there have been concerns of late that Manchester City hold a few reservations about the scale of the deal proposed.

Chelsea are willing and able to step in should that prove the case.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £28m

The livewire winger has been slowly but surely pushed out of the first team reckoning at City as he makes way for Roberto Mancini's new recruits.

He is becoming increasingly aware he may have to leave to maintain a place in the England team.

Aston Villa and Everton are among his admirers but may find business with City difficult, while Stoke could be too big a step down in his eyes.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £12m

Was hoping for a chance to shine with England after one of his most disappointing seasons at Manchester United.

His performances since the end of 2008-09 have prompted questions over his fitness and state of mind.

His ability to dictate the tempo of a game seems to have deserted him and Sir Alex Ferguson left him out several times.

If clubs such as Everton and Aston Villa raise the necessary funds a deal could be done.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £10m

Heskey's reputation was far from enhanced by his trip to South Africa.

He laboured like his teammates and was an easy target for criticism. He is still valued in the Premier League though and, while Villa will listen to offers, there will be plenty of interest at the right price.

Stoke have already shown interest, while the 32-year-old could fit into the budgets of West Bromwich, Fulham and Blackburn.

TRANSFER VALUE:  £3m