England coach Fabio Capello has persuaded defender Jamie Carragher to come out of international retirement for the World Cup, while center back Ledley King has been selected for the provisional squad despite chronic knee problems.
The 32-year-old Carragher quit international football three years ago after being snubbed by Capello's predecessor, Steve McClaren, to focus on his Liverpool career.
"The FA got in touch a few weeks ago and asked if I would have a rethink, due to injury problems. I said I would make myself available," said Carragher, who has played 34 internationals. "The World Cup and Champions League are the highest levels of football. I'm not getting any younger, we have no Champions League football next season and I am keen to work under Fabio Capello."
The 29-year-old King, who also last played for England in 2007, was included in Tuesday's 30-man squad despite being unable to train between matches for Tottenham.
"We have been monitoring him for a long time - he is one of the best England defenders," Capello said. "In the last 15 days he has played four games and we spoke with him about his knee problems ... he is a really important defender."
King and Carragher will act as central defensive cover for John Terry and captain Rio Ferdinand, who also struggles with back problems.
The final 23-man squad will be announced on June 1 after a training camp in Austria and friendlies against Mexico and Japan.
Unlike with Carragher, Capello failed to persuade 35-year-old midfielder Paul Scholes to return - six years after announcing his international retirement.
"We tried to convince him to come back to England," Capello said. "But he said he would prefer to spend time with his family."
Gareth Barry is included in midfield despite being ruled out until June with ankle ligament damage. He will be assessed by England medics on May 24. Chelsea's Joe Cole is included despite injuries and a lack of form keeping him out of the England setup for almost two years.
Scott Parker also has a chance to convince Capello to take him to South Africa, where England's campaign opens on June 12 against United States.
The two uncapped players in the squad are Manchester City winger Adam Johnson and center back Michael Dawson, who is one of six Tottenham players from what is the best represented club.
"I've been involved with England a number of times over the years but have unfortunately never won a cap," Dawson said. "When you're playing for a top football club, as I have been this season on a regular basis and putting in good performances, there's always that chance of playing for England. Luckily enough, I've got the call."
Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines are the backup options for left back Ashley Cole.
Left back Wayne Bridge quit the squad in February after allegations that Terry had an affair with the mother of his child. Capello stripped Terry of the England captaincy over the incident.
Up front, Capello's favored starting strikers of Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey have been joined by Tottenham pair Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe, along with Darren Bent.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Michael Dawson (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), James Milner (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Scott Parker (West Ham), Gareth Barry (Manchester City).
Strikers: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Darren Bent (Sunderland).
