The English team have tyicaly high expectations leading into the World Cup. Coach Fabio Capello has installed a realistic understated confidence that the country has not experinced in recent years. If the team are to have any hope of winning this years tournament though, then the hopes of the nation lie upon the manager and Wayne Rooney.England currently rank at number eight in the world, but they are potentially third favourites for the tournament in South Africa. Their impressive form in qualifying and the quality of their players, and most importantly, manager, has given more reason for optimism than ever before.
Friendlies aren't usually considered a barometer of a teams performance, but in England's case it is noteworthy that recent games with both Spain and Brazil have been lost, comfortably. The three lions have a reputation of folding against the big teams, and that has not yet changed under Capello. That will need to be eradicated is England are to progress beyond a quarter final for the first time since Euro '96 on home soil and win their second Word Cup trophy.
SCHEDULE- Group C
USA June 12th- Rustenburg
Algeria June 18th- Cape Town
Slovenia June 23rd- Port Elizabeth
Hopes of ultimate victory have been aided by the group they've been handed. Just like in 1998 and 2006 England have been been placed in one of the weakest groups. The three lions will be widely expected to top the group comfortably ahead of the USA.
The group's make up could have been radically different has Russia finished of Slovenia in Moscow when they had the chance, or had three time African champions Egypt overcome the Algerians in a tense and emotional play off in Sudan.
Luckily for England, Slovenia and Algeria came through their play offs and both games should represent six points. USA are a different proposition on the other hand. The Americans are coming off the back of a comfortable qualifying campaign and an impressive showing in the latter stages of last years Confederations Cup. A repeat of England's 1-0 defeat in the opening game of Brazil 1950 is not out of the question.
KEY PLAYERS
Wayne Rooney is the key player to English hopes in South Africa. The Manchester United striker has improved his game no end in the last year, scoring 34 goals in 44 games. He has taken over the mantle and pressure of being United's star man from Cristiano Ronaldo, and has excelled in the process. Recent injury problems, much like in 2006, may blight his impact on this tournament however, as he has yet to fully recover from groin and ankle difficulties.
Beyond Rooney, the England squad isn't as impressive as first imagined. Capello has spent the last number of weeks checking out retired internationals Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes, as well as Owen Hargreaves and Sol Campbell. In the end, Carragher backtracked on his decision from 2007 to play in one last World Cup. The coaches wish to bring back Scholes, although still a useful player, had a feeling of desperation about it, as did his efforts to recruit the Liverpool defender, who has probably had the worst season of his career.
Frank Lampard has enjoyed one of the best periods of his time at Chelsea over the past couple of months. The goal scoring midfielder has played a pivotal role in securing the Premier League for his club and for the first time broke the 20 goal mark in a league season. Considering the injury worries regarding Gareth Barry and and the poor form of Steven Gerrard, it is essential that Lampard keeps up his recent level of performance.
These two players are central to any hope England have as the rest of the team all have issues with form or injury. Aaron Lennon, Rio Ferdinand and Glen Johnson have all play sporadically this season, will Theo Walcott, Emile Heskey and John Terry have all struggled for from. Left back Ashley Cole, however, has seen a return to his Arsenal form, as a Chelsea manager has finally allowed him to get forward at will. The much maligned Cole has always saved his best performances for England, most notably in 2004, and this year should be no exception.
Goalkeeper is another problem area for the English. Robert Green has been the incumbent of the number one shirt for the past year but that was primarily down to injuries sustained by David James. Joe Hart is the form keeper in the country, and James put in a great performance in the FA Cup final, so Capello will have a tough choice ahead.
ONE TO WATCH- Wayne Rooney BEST CASE SCENARIO...
England harbour realistic hopes of winning the trophy on July 11th. Such a feat is only possible with a red hot Rooney. Avoiding penalties is a must if it's to happen. If Ferdinand lifts the World Cup in Johannesburg, it will be the realisation of many people's worst fear.
WORST CASE SCENARIO...
Exiting at the group stage is extremely unlikely, so a second round defeat to Serbia/Ghana/Australia/Germany or another quarter final loss will not go down well in England. The semi finals are expected at the very least.
PREDICTION
England to take the group on goal difference from the US and fall at the quarter final stage when they meet a major footballing superpower....yet again.
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