As many as 17 of Chelsea's extraordinary squad will be at the World Cup Finals next year, without counting potential fringe players such as Michael Mancienne and Matic.

It's probably as many as any team will provide, and just goes to show the strength in depth (and I suppose experience) at the Blues at the moment. The fact that we also provide FIVE international captains shows that it takes a certain type of player to be a success at Stamford Bridge.

With England already qualified, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole should have already booked their flights and hotel for next summer, whilst Michael Mancienne could also board the plane with them after some stellar perfomances for the U21s.

Michael Essien's Ghana eased through qualification for the second World Cup running, and will be joined by the rest of our African contingent from the Ivory Coast. Didier Drogba captains the side that also features our youthful Salomon Kalou up front. John Obi Mikel will also be there after a startling comeback by Nigeria, who needed to win at all costs and hope Tunisia lost. A goal at the very death of the match saw the Super Eagles through to South Africa.

Michael Ballack and Branko Ivanovic have made it through for their Germany and Serbia sides, who could also take defender Matic to the Finals.

Thats our ten currently qualified players rounded up, but they should be joined by many more after the conclusion of the playoffs. Both France (Anelka and Malouda) and Portugal (Bosingwa, Deco, Ferreira and Carvalho) hold leads in their matches, to be played out on Wednesday night.

On top of that, Russia hold the upper hand in their match against Slovenia, which means Zhirkov should be joining the party.

Manchester United will be providing just 7 internationals (should France and Portugal qualify), which just goes to show how brilliant our squad is! All we need to work out now is who to support next summer?!