You see, it remains to be seen if Shaun's inclusion means Beckham has to make way. England could adopt a 4-3-3, accomodating both on the right with Shaun in a more advanced role. Perhaps Beckham will move to the centre, or could the truly unthinkable happen and goldenballs is actually dropped completely.
We'll soon be put out of our misery, but for the time being we can content ourselves in the fact that it seems Shaun will finally be given a fair crack of the whip.
The timing could be better - the Wednesday before the derby. And not just any derby, but one which promises to be the most evenly matched and keenly fought for a decade. Without wanting to tempt fate, I have to wonder what the chances are of Shaun being ruled out after picking up an injury?
Meanwhile, a City idol of not too distant times is not having the best of times at the moment.
Shaun Goater has been frozen out by former City boss Steve Coppell - the man who made us a laughing stock by resigning after just 34 days in 1996 - because if he makes one more appearance - his 50th for Reading - then they will owe City another £50,000.
Coppell has said he doesn't want the Goat to play again and, besides, he prefers strikers with pace and power....not interested in strikers that score goals then, Steve?
And anyway, what's 50 grand? Clubs hark on about players' loyalty but what about clubs' loyalty? He was already a forgotten man this season, but they've needed him since top scorer Dave Kitson was injured in December, yet Coppell refuses to play him and has left a dedicated professional languishing in the reserves.
Perhaps he's resentful of the fact that Goater could cope with the pressure of leading City back to big time and he couldn't.