john terry

Manager: Fabio Capello
Captain: John Terry
FIFA Ranking: 8
World Cup appearances: 12
World Cup Winner: 1966 

England Article: Squad

England Team Profile

England, sometimes referred to as ‘Three Lions‘, are a nation of which big things are always expected of them. Their loyal followers back home in what is a football mad country, always raise the expectation levels whenever a major tournament passes by their doorstep, and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be no different.

The English are well renowned for their big fan base and the news is there will be over 100,000 English supporters in South Africa cheering their team on to what they hope will be World Cup glory, and they head to South Africa in high spirits after the English sailed through qualification. However, the ease at which England bypassed what seemed a pretty competitive Group at the time, will only add to the demand of the English public back home in a nation which expects a Golden delivery.

It used to be Spain who held the mantle for being the biggest underachievers in World football, but then the Spanish claimed the 2008 European Championship and the tag fell onto England’s shoulders, as the English haven’t lifted a major International trophy since 1966 when they won the World Cup on home soil. It’s been an absolute age without anything to celebrate, and what hurts the English supporters the most is England have rarely even looked like going close to winning either a World Cup or a European Championship. That should hopefully change in South Africa but England have a knack of disappointing.

Manager

It’s fair to say that Capello‘s appointment at the England helm wasn’t exactly met with open arms by every England fan, although everyone knew changes were needed after their failure to even qualify for the 2008 European Championships. Fabio Capello, a manager with a seemingly flawless and impeccable managerial CV, was brought in to restore some English pride that was previously lost through their failings to reach the last major tournament, and Capello’s honesty about England’s chances of reaching South Africa was like a breathe of fresh air, as Capello claimed England would definitely make South Africa’s show-piece. The Italian was to be right as England stormed through qualification, becoming one of the first few teams in the European sector to book their plane tickets to South Africa, to the relief of a football hungry nation.

Fabio Capello has been a revelation for England, installing some Italian discipline into the England camp which was certainly missing during Steve McClaren’s and Sven Goran Eriksson’s reigns as England coach. The players now respect the coach and feel privilege to be a part of the England set up once again, something that was also missing from the England camp before Capello’s appointment. The players know no-one is safe from Capello’s sharpened axe, and that everyone’s place is up for grabs should they not perform. Capello’s disciplined manner and approach has greatly improved how the England team operates and they are arguably entering into a World Cup in the best form of any of the recent England teams, so the expectation levels back home are rightly high, and it’s all down to one man – Fabio Capello.

With England having gone nearly a decade without a World Cup, Fabio Capello could etch his name into English folklore should he mastermind a successful campaign in South Africa. With the English fans, though, he’ll simply be known as a ‘Legend’ forever.

England Key Players

John Terry

It’s been a turbulent year for the former England skipper, who only this year relinquished his hold of the captain’s armband thanks to his infidelity issues, a subject we will try to avoid for now. Some were hoping it would make John Terry stronger, Terry against the world they hoped, but it did have a big affect on the Chelsea defender, and for all the wrong reasons. Thereafter, however, Terry’s performances for Chelsea declined and he was no longer seen as the rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Nevertheless, there’s an immensely talented defender within John Terry waiting for it’s rebirth. At his best he can take the form of the world’s best centre back, commanding his defence in his authoritative manner, reading the play with precision and never afraid to get stuck in with a bold but fair tackle. He’s been a little off form before the World Cup finals, but England fans will be hoping John Terry quickly bounces back to his reliable self in time for a successful World Cup challenge.

Steven Gerrard

The Liverpool skipper didn’t have the best of seasons for his club as they endured one of their worst campaign for some time, while Gerrard has had his fair share of England critics down the years, so Gerrard, who will be making his third apperance in the finals of a World Cup, will have something to prove in South Africa. His commitment in an England shirt has been brought into question on more than one occasion, as the Liverpool born midfielder seemingly doesn’t play in the same forceful and constructive manner for his country like he does for his club, Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard is arguably the very best at what he does and his game is about several aspects, all of which he does to a very high standard. The accuracy of his passing is second to none; switching the ball from flank to flank isn’t a problem for the Merseyside star, tracking back and helping out in defence he does to a more than satisfactory level, while the standard at which he creates chances for everyone else, and the regularity of them, are both outstanding and admirable. However, the one crucial factor you get with Gerrard that you don’t with most Midfielders is this unique ability to defy adversity time and time again. Granted he’s only really produced something wonderful and spectacular for Liverpool and not for England, but the simple fact he’s saved Liverpool from the pits of despair on half-a-dozen occasions in his illustrious career is a huge positive for every England fan as the Three Lions could be in a position where exit from the competition looks imminent, but when you have a player in your team which you know can pop up with the goods when everyone else’s luck is out, it’s priceless and that’s the best word to desribe Steven Gerrard, regardless of whether or not he’s having a bad game or a bad tournament, Gerrard’s winning mentality is priceless and he can win any game of football at any given time.

With Steven Gerrard in your team, you can never be out of a game until the final whistle rings. If Gerrard has a big tournament this summer, then so do England!

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney was pushing Lionel Messi, the kid some are saying is looking more and more likely to be the greatest ever, all the way for Europe’s biggest player accolade before injuries spurred his chances of personal glory with the FIFA Player of the Year award. Rooney isn’t all about winning awards though, although he does enter into the World Cup in the knowledge that he was rated the Premiership’s best player for the 2009-2010 season. No, Rooney is a team player and he will strive to ensure England enjoy a good run in South Africa.

Within a year Wayne Rooney has seemingly been transformed into the complete striker, almost the perfect player in many respects. Sir Alex Ferguson has added versatility to his game, boosted his temperament and and converted the former play-maker into a goalscoring machine. Rooney always had goals in him but he was never scoring them with the alarming regularity that he is now. He’s been playing in a more central role up front for his club and it’s paid dividends, with Rooney ending the campaign with 26 league goals, while England were reaping the benefits of Rooney’s new found lease of forward life as the Manchester United striker finished a successful qualifying campaign as England’s most prolific forward with 9 goals in 9 qualifiers; averaging a goal every game for his country.

Rooney’s fiery attitude has cost him and England in previous tournaments, but the Liverpool born star has matured significantly in recent seasons and is now in the shape and form of his life. South Africa could be a huge tournament for Wayne Rooney as he looks to show the rest of the world what everyone in England has been talking about.

Strengths

The support England will get from their travelling fans will be amazing throughout their time in South Africa, and so long as the Three Lions keep progressing, the support will grow and grow. There will be over 100,000 English fans in South Africa to watch their team take on some of the World’s greatest football teams aiming to get a glimpses at perhaps the first England side to win the prestigious tournament since 1966. The fans will be in full voice at their games, and in plentiful supply, so whoever comes up against England will need to quieten the crowd if they wish to thwart England’s bid for glory.

The strength is depth is also a massive plus. England have genuine world-class quality in every position, while their back up is also first class. However, it’s the strength of their starting line up which will leave many nations in awe. Their defence consists of two of the World’s best defenders in John Terry (Chelsea captain) and Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United vice-captain), while Ashley Cole is rated as one of the World’s best left-backs. The midfield looks very solid yet full of creative spark and guile, with Gareth Barry sat in that holding role while Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard dictate the play just in front of him. The latter two also have goals in them, Lampard especially as he takes England’s spot-kicks. Gerrard can strike a ball from just about anywhere, and if England need a piece of magic at some stage, don’t be surprised if Steven Gerrard steps up to the mark. Up front we of course have Wayne Rooney – One of the World’s best on current form. 

Weaknesses

England do lack an out-an-out striker and as a result, means the Three Lions aren’t as danger from an attacking point-of-view as one might wish for. That may sound a tad amusing considering England finished with one of the higher goal returns during qualifying from the European sector, but the English were dominant in their group and often strolled through their qualifiers against the lesser nations. Against those with stronger defences, England will need more fire-power up top to break them down and could be found wanting if Wayne Rooney, a man upon the nations hopes are resting, doesn’t perform to the high standard we’ve all come to expect, or if he isn’t found a suitable striking partner. Fabio Capello has tested several forward partners for Rooney, and it would seem Emile Heskey is set to lead the line alongside the feisty Scouser.

Also, more than ever before perhaps, we rely heavily upon the displays and performances of one man – Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United forward was in scintillating form for his club during the 2009-2010 season and finished as the club’s top goalscorer, but he’s let his country down in previous tournaments, while injuries have also played havoc with his International progress on the big stage. Without him, England aren’t as threatening or intimidating, and that’s a huge concern.

England Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe

Group: 6

Position: 1st

Win-Draw-Lose: 9-0-1

Goals Scored: 34

Goals Conceded: 6

World Cup Potential: 5/5

Will 2010 be the year England’s dreams become a reality? The expectation levels are always high with the England supporters, and it’s to be expected as rarely do they take a weak squad into a major tournament. 2010 will be no different and it will in fact be one of the stronger squads England have ever had in South Africa, so a big tournament should beckon for the Three Lions.

There are expected to be somewhere around 150,000 English fans in South Africa by the time the finals kick-off, so every English game should be packed out with English supporters. The support will be tremendous, as it always is, but once again there is tonnes of pressure on the England squad to perform and to deliver the goods in the form of the FIFA World Cup,after so many years of heartache and empty promises. We all say it every World Cup but this could be the year when England end the wait with their first World Cup victory since 1966.

England World Cup Betting Odds

England to win the World Cup:         8/1 – William Hill

Before the World Cup the odds on England were 8/1 

Official England World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart (Birmingham City)

David James (Portsmouth)

Robert Green (West Ham United)

Defenders

Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur)

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

John Terry (Chelsea)

Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa) 

Midfielders

Gareth Barry (Manchester City)

Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Joe Cole (Chelsea)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)

James Milner (Aston Villa)

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)

Strikers

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur)

Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur)

Emile Heskey (Aston Villa)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 England Fixtures – Group C

27/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: England – Germany: 1-4

World Cup 2010 Group C - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will be left back in England, instead of being left back for England in the forthcoming international friendly with Egypt on March 3rd. The full back has decided to make himself unavailable for selection for his country, something which has come as a shock, as Fabio Capello was getting ready to pick him, and club boss Roberto Mancini had publicly said that Bridge would step up for his country if called upon. This whole ordeal is the residual knock-on effect from all of alleged John Terry affair with Bridge’s ex-partner, and now it has left a gaping hole in the England defence ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Being a personal issue, no-one is really sure why Bridge has made this decision, but apparently he wouldn’t be keen on sharing a dressing room with ex team-mate at Stamford Bridge, John Terry. It may seem like a hasty decision, especially as the two players are set to go head to head in the Premier League on Saturday, but one has to respect his wishes. Whether or not Fabio Capello can talk him into reversing his decision, or whether the England boss will just move on, will remain to be seen. With Ashley Cole in a race to be fit for the World Cup, England need to find a replacement to fill in the void at left back. While whoever fills in, is unlikely to have the same impact as Cole, the position would favour a naturally left footed full back, and not someone simply filling in from midfield.

So who are the list of candidates in the race for the England left back position against Egypt? One name that keeps jumping out, is that of Leighton Baines, Everton’s promising young full back. There have been questions raised over his small stature, but as least he is comparable to Cole, in that he enjoys foraging forward. Baines has put in some fantastic league appearances lately, which have helped Everton beat both Chelsea and Manchester United. Arsenal’s Kieron Gibbs would have been an option if he wasn’t out with injury as well, so that will leave Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock probably as the most senior choice in the specialised position. Perhaps not as all round accomplished as Cole, Warnock is reliable and the England defence wouldn’t be any weaker for his selection.

But the position calls for more than just defensive qualities, it requires quality on the ball in the opponents half when tracking down the flank. This is a skill which Chelsea’s Ashley Cole has down to a fine art. If you want some betting action with this, then of course this circumstance has warranted a special market.

To Play Left Back in England’s First World Cup Match
Ashley Cole: 1/3 at SkyBet
Stephen Warnock: 6/1 at SkyBet
Leighton Baines: 8/1 at SkyBet
Joleon Lescott: 12/1 at SkyBet
Matthew Upson: 20/1 at SkyBet
 

It’s been all change with the leadership of the England team, as Chelsea’s John Terry, who’s private life has been media-fodder for the last week or so, has been stripped of the England captaincy. After a meeting with England boss Fabio Capello, it was announced that the Chelsea defender would no longer have the honour of leading his country. While debate has raged over the domain of private life and its role in football, any indiscretion which may have been acted out by the England captain has apparently cost him his captaincy. This is a bitter blow for John Terry, who is consistently one of the best and most determined of the England players.

Capello stated that his decision was in the best interests of the national side, and with part of the England captaincy involving being a diplomatic role model, Capello has oddly handed it to Rio Ferdinand who is currently serving a match suspension for striking out at another player. With the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the team, it seems a little bit of an odd decision by Capello, as to who to pass on the mantle to. The FA held talks with the England team management staff, and Capello, who only just arrived back in the UK, pretty much made the decision that everyone was expecting him to.

England next take to the field on March 3rd against Egypt, in their first friendly of 2010, as preparation ahead of the World Cup. Egypt won the African Cup of Nations convincingly, and it looks to be a bit of a shame that they aren’t at the World Cup at the expense of far less convingly Algeria. Egypt, throughout the tournament, looked a confident and free-flowing, technical side, and should provide some decent opposition for England. Early prices can be taken, England are 6/17 at Bwin to win, Egypt are a decent 6/1 with Bwin and the draw will fetch 10/3 at Coral.

How much all of the scandal surrounding Terry’s alleged misdemeanours will affect his game, and perhaps team unity with club and country remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, is that England will need him at his best during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The lower the profile all of the England players can keep between now and June 11th when then tournament in South Africa starts, the better their chances of lifting the trophy will be.

Known for being a disciplinarian, it looks as if Capello had no other choice in this matter. Whether it was his decision entirely, or whether he had to bow to peer pressure from the public and the FA, we’ll never know. England fans will hope that this doesn’t dampen the form of arguably England’s best defender, and someone who possess all of the right captaincy tools to take his country to a World Cup Final.
 

Brazil v England

November 14, 2009

Kick Off 5 pm
Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar

While the likes of the Republic of Ireland and France are slogging it out for a place at World Cup 2010 through the qualification play-offs, England will be testing their mettle against the might of Brazil. Both teams have secured qualification for the tournament in South Africa 2010, and they square off in a friendly match which takes place at the impressive Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.

This is exactly the type of game which England boss Fabio Capello will be looking for. He has publicly stated that he wants his team to play against the best, and now here is his chance. They could be without Aaron Lennon though, as the Spurs player has already been ruled out of action for for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The winger picked up an ankle injury a couple of weeks ago, which also kept him out of last weekend’s North London derby loss against Arsenal.

This will give Fabio Capello an interesting selection choice on the right wing. Aaron Lennon, with his small size and pace, has been favoured by the Italian since he made his way back into the squad. The other two candidates for the right wing starting position were Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Beckham. Beckham, who confirmed a six month loan deal with AC Milan this week, is unlikely to be a starter, but Lennon’s absence could mean the return of a familiar, and often inspirational England face. Chelsea’s Joe Cole has been out of action for pretty much most of the year, but has recently gotten a few games under his belt for his club. It has not taken him long to show the control, flair and creativity that he has been renowned for.

It is not a bad problem for Capello to have, as more likely than not, he will want to be taking Joe Cole to South Africa 2010 with him. The 27 year old still has a lot to offer for club and country, and he is an important player for England, as he showed when he was utilised a lot by Steve McLaren and Sven Goran Eriksson on the left wing. Cole can beat people and create chances for the strikers with his ingenuity, something he has been doing for Chelsea since his return. When both fully fit, Cole and Lennon could prove to be a great one-two for England, and they do offer some great attacking invention.

Capello will also be hoping that some of his key players stay injury free in the build up for the World Cup. Steven Gerrard has been having his problems with a groin injury, and there is the big meeting of Premier League top two Chelsea and Manchester United on Sunday, 8th, and hopefully for England, tempers won’t boil over too much, with the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand on display.

Interesting England v Brazil titbits. The two sides have come up against each other four times in the World Cup, and their first encounter led to the first ever World Cup 0-0 draw, which was in Sweden 1958. The other three matches all ended in wins for the South Americans. That is not to say England have not enjoyed any success against Brazil, just not any when it has matter. England have beaten Brazil three times in friendlies, and drawn 9 times out of 22 matches in total, which leaves ten wins for the Brazilians. The most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, with a headed goal from Chelsea’s John Terry. Who crossed it? David Beckham.

World Cup Outright Odds:
Brazil: 5/1 at Paddy Power
England: 6/1 at William Hill

Manager: Fabio Capello
Captain: John Terry
FIFA Ranking: 8
World Cup appearances: 12
World Cup Winner: 1966 

England Article: Squad

England Team Profile

England, sometimes referred to as ‘Three Lions‘, are a nation of which big things are always expected of them. Their loyal followers back home in what is a football mad country, always raise the expectation levels whenever a major tournament passes by their doorstep, and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be no different.

The English are well renowned for their big fan base and the news is there will be over 100,000 English supporters in South Africa cheering their team on to what they hope will be World Cup glory, and they head to South Africa in high spirits after the English sailed through qualification. However, the ease at which England bypassed what seemed a pretty competitive Group at the time, will only add to the demand of the English public back home in a nation which expects a Golden delivery.

It used to be Spain who held the mantle for being the biggest underachievers in World football, but then the Spanish claimed the 2008 European Championship and the tag fell onto England’s shoulders, as the English haven’t lifted a major International trophy since 1966 when they won the World Cup on home soil. It’s been an absolute age without anything to celebrate, and what hurts the English supporters the most is England have rarely even looked like going close to winning either a World Cup or a European Championship. That should hopefully change in South Africa but England have a knack of disappointing.

Manager

It’s fair to say that Capello‘s appointment at the England helm wasn’t exactly met with open arms by every England fan, although everyone knew changes were needed after their failure to even qualify for the 2008 European Championships. Fabio Capello, a manager with a seemingly flawless and impeccable managerial CV, was brought in to restore some English pride that was previously lost through their failings to reach the last major tournament, and Capello’s honesty about England’s chances of reaching South Africa was like a breathe of fresh air, as Capello claimed England would definitely make South Africa’s show-piece. The Italian was to be right as England stormed through qualification, becoming one of the first few teams in the European sector to book their plane tickets to South Africa, to the relief of a football hungry nation.

Fabio Capello has been a revelation for England, installing some Italian discipline into the England camp which was certainly missing during Steve McClaren’s and Sven Goran Eriksson’s reigns as England coach. The players now respect the coach and feel privilege to be a part of the England set up once again, something that was also missing from the England camp before Capello’s appointment. The players know no-one is safe from Capello’s sharpened axe, and that everyone’s place is up for grabs should they not perform. Capello’s disciplined manner and approach has greatly improved how the England team operates and they are arguably entering into a World Cup in the best form of any of the recent England teams, so the expectation levels back home are rightly high, and it’s all down to one man – Fabio Capello.

With England having gone nearly a decade without a World Cup, Fabio Capello could etch his name into English folklore should he mastermind a successful campaign in South Africa. With the English fans, though, he’ll simply be known as a ‘Legend’ forever.

England Key Players

John Terry

It’s been a turbulent year for the former England skipper, who only this year relinquished his hold of the captain’s armband thanks to his infidelity issues, a subject we will try to avoid for now. Some were hoping it would make John Terry stronger, Terry against the world they hoped, but it did have a big affect on the Chelsea defender, and for all the wrong reasons. Thereafter, however, Terry’s performances for Chelsea declined and he was no longer seen as the rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Nevertheless, there’s an immensely talented defender within John Terry waiting for it’s rebirth. At his best he can take the form of the world’s best centre back, commanding his defence in his authoritative manner, reading the play with precision and never afraid to get stuck in with a bold but fair tackle. He’s been a little off form before the World Cup finals, but England fans will be hoping John Terry quickly bounces back to his reliable self in time for a successful World Cup challenge.

Steven Gerrard

The Liverpool skipper didn’t have the best of seasons for his club as they endured one of their worst campaign for some time, while Gerrard has had his fair share of England critics down the years, so Gerrard, who will be making his third apperance in the finals of a World Cup, will have something to prove in South Africa. His commitment in an England shirt has been brought into question on more than one occasion, as the Liverpool born midfielder seemingly doesn’t play in the same forceful and constructive manner for his country like he does for his club, Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard is arguably the very best at what he does and his game is about several aspects, all of which he does to a very high standard. The accuracy of his passing is second to none; switching the ball from flank to flank isn’t a problem for the Merseyside star, tracking back and helping out in defence he does to a more than satisfactory level, while the standard at which he creates chances for everyone else, and the regularity of them, are both outstanding and admirable. However, the one crucial factor you get with Gerrard that you don’t with most Midfielders is this unique ability to defy adversity time and time again. Granted he’s only really produced something wonderful and spectacular for Liverpool and not for England, but the simple fact he’s saved Liverpool from the pits of despair on half-a-dozen occasions in his illustrious career is a huge positive for every England fan as the Three Lions could be in a position where exit from the competition looks imminent, but when you have a player in your team which you know can pop up with the goods when everyone else’s luck is out, it’s priceless and that’s the best word to desribe Steven Gerrard, regardless of whether or not he’s having a bad game or a bad tournament, Gerrard’s winning mentality is priceless and he can win any game of football at any given time.

With Steven Gerrard in your team, you can never be out of a game until the final whistle rings. If Gerrard has a big tournament this summer, then so do England!

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney was pushing Lionel Messi, the kid some are saying is looking more and more likely to be the greatest ever, all the way for Europe’s biggest player accolade before injuries spurred his chances of personal glory with the FIFA Player of the Year award. Rooney isn’t all about winning awards though, although he does enter into the World Cup in the knowledge that he was rated the Premiership’s best player for the 2009-2010 season. No, Rooney is a team player and he will strive to ensure England enjoy a good run in South Africa.

Within a year Wayne Rooney has seemingly been transformed into the complete striker, almost the perfect player in many respects. Sir Alex Ferguson has added versatility to his game, boosted his temperament and and converted the former play-maker into a goalscoring machine. Rooney always had goals in him but he was never scoring them with the alarming regularity that he is now. He’s been playing in a more central role up front for his club and it’s paid dividends, with Rooney ending the campaign with 26 league goals, while England were reaping the benefits of Rooney’s new found lease of forward life as the Manchester United striker finished a successful qualifying campaign as England’s most prolific forward with 9 goals in 9 qualifiers; averaging a goal every game for his country.

Rooney’s fiery attitude has cost him and England in previous tournaments, but the Liverpool born star has matured significantly in recent seasons and is now in the shape and form of his life. South Africa could be a huge tournament for Wayne Rooney as he looks to show the rest of the world what everyone in England has been talking about.

Strengths

The support England will get from their travelling fans will be amazing throughout their time in South Africa, and so long as the Three Lions keep progressing, the support will grow and grow. There will be over 100,000 English fans in South Africa to watch their team take on some of the World’s greatest football teams aiming to get a glimpses at perhaps the first England side to win the prestigious tournament since 1966. The fans will be in full voice at their games, and in plentiful supply, so whoever comes up against England will need to quieten the crowd if they wish to thwart England’s bid for glory.

The strength is depth is also a massive plus. England have genuine world-class quality in every position, while their back up is also first class. However, it’s the strength of their starting line up which will leave many nations in awe. Their defence consists of two of the World’s best defenders in John Terry (Chelsea captain) and Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United vice-captain), while Ashley Cole is rated as one of the World’s best left-backs. The midfield looks very solid yet full of creative spark and guile, with Gareth Barry sat in that holding role while Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard dictate the play just in front of him. The latter two also have goals in them, Lampard especially as he takes England’s spot-kicks. Gerrard can strike a ball from just about anywhere, and if England need a piece of magic at some stage, don’t be surprised if Steven Gerrard steps up to the mark. Up front we of course have Wayne Rooney – One of the World’s best on current form. 

Weaknesses

England do lack an out-an-out striker and as a result, means the Three Lions aren’t as danger from an attacking point-of-view as one might wish for. That may sound a tad amusing considering England finished with one of the higher goal returns during qualifying from the European sector, but the English were dominant in their group and often strolled through their qualifiers against the lesser nations. Against those with stronger defences, England will need more fire-power up top to break them down and could be found wanting if Wayne Rooney, a man upon the nations hopes are resting, doesn’t perform to the high standard we’ve all come to expect, or if he isn’t found a suitable striking partner. Fabio Capello has tested several forward partners for Rooney, and it would seem Emile Heskey is set to lead the line alongside the feisty Scouser.

Also, more than ever before perhaps, we rely heavily upon the displays and performances of one man – Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United forward was in scintillating form for his club during the 2009-2010 season and finished as the club’s top goalscorer, but he’s let his country down in previous tournaments, while injuries have also played havoc with his International progress on the big stage. Without him, England aren’t as threatening or intimidating, and that’s a huge concern.

England Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe

Group: 6

Position: 1st

Win-Draw-Lose: 9-0-1

Goals Scored: 34

Goals Conceded: 6

World Cup Potential: 5/5

Will 2010 be the year England’s dreams become a reality? The expectation levels are always high with the England supporters, and it’s to be expected as rarely do they take a weak squad into a major tournament. 2010 will be no different and it will in fact be one of the stronger squads England have ever had in South Africa, so a big tournament should beckon for the Three Lions.

There are expected to be somewhere around 150,000 English fans in South Africa by the time the finals kick-off, so every English game should be packed out with English supporters. The support will be tremendous, as it always is, but once again there is tonnes of pressure on the England squad to perform and to deliver the goods in the form of the FIFA World Cup,after so many years of heartache and empty promises. We all say it every World Cup but this could be the year when England end the wait with their first World Cup victory since 1966.

England World Cup Betting Odds

England to win the World Cup:         8/1 – William Hill

Before the World Cup the odds on England were 8/1 

Official England World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart (Birmingham City)

David James (Portsmouth)

Robert Green (West Ham United)

Defenders

Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur)

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

John Terry (Chelsea)

Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa) 

Midfielders

Gareth Barry (Manchester City)

Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Joe Cole (Chelsea)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)

James Milner (Aston Villa)

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)

Strikers

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur)

Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur)

Emile Heskey (Aston Villa)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 England Fixtures – Group C

27/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: England – Germany: 1-4

World Cup Group C - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of England