Spain win 2010 WORLD CUP.

[Park Life 71]

 

 

 

 

The season is coming to a close and attentions are turning to the World Cup with England’s expectations higher than at any time since Sir Bobby Robson took the Three Lions to the semi-finals in 1990.

 

But who will be charged with creating history? And who will spend the summer in their flip-flops sipping sangria?

 

Telegraph Sport looks at the World Cup hopefuls, their hopes of making the plane to South Africa – and the men Fabio Capello will leave behind.

 

Capello names a preliminary 30-man England squad in May, followed by the final 23 on June 1.

 

Monday, May 3

 

-- ON THE PLANE

 

David James

The veteran goalkeeper is 40 in August and though Portsmouth are down, the chance to play in the FA Cup final - almost certainly his last game for the club - has given James fresh focus, which can only be good for England.

 

Robert Green

West Ham’s goalkeeper is 30 but has just nine caps. Some argue he has a place by default only, but he remains in the top three.

 

Joe Hart

A terrific season loan to Birmingham, and the players’ goalkeeping choice for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year is his reward. Any doubts that he may not make the plane have been allayed by some outstanding performances. That City wanted to recall him says much about the season he has had.

 

John Terry

No longer the captain but still a giant in defending terms. He returned from suspension to lead Chelsea to the 2-0 win over Liverpool that puts Chelsea on the brink of the title. Surprisingly, there was no place for Terry in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

 

Ashley Cole

The return of Cole and his ability to complete two full 90 minutes - and two clean sheets - will have gladdened the heart of Capello.

 

Rio Ferdinand

Maybe not having his most consistent season, a factor not helped by injuries. Returned to the bench on Sunday, coming on late at Sunderland. Like Terry, he was left out of PFA Premier League Team of the Year by his fellow professionals.

 

Ashley Young

Has had an impressive season for Villa and instrumental in the club’s good season.

 

Steven Gerrard

One of the first names on the list and crucial to any hopes of winning the World Cup. But he must be getting fed up with Liverpool’s underachieving. His error led to Chelsea’s first goal on Sunday, but that is a rarity.

 

Glen Johnson

Missing on Sunday with a calf muscle strain, but only a very minor set-back. But the former problem, with his knee, is cured so he is a certainty for South Africa.

 

Frank Lampard

With 20 goals in 77 internationals, his value is obvious. Another shock omission from the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, despite taking his best ever scoring tally – from midfield – to 26 goals.

 

Gareth Barry

Having featured in 27 of England’s last 29 games, there can be little doubt he will be in South Africa. A slight set-back at the weekend, with a hamstring injury keeping him out against former club Villa.

 

James Milner

In form for Villa after a permanent feature of the Under-21s. Offers width and intelligence and his award as the PFA’s Young Player of the Year and place in the Premier League Team of the Year confirms his elevation to senior status.

 

Wayne Rooney

The jewel in England’s crown. Rooney’s outstanding season received the accolade of the PFA Player of the Year on Sunday and he is favourite to win the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year. Injuries have affected his season but he completed 90 minutes against Sunderland.

 

Jermain Defoe

Whether there is room for Rooney and Defoe is not clear, but he is the next best thing and is a must for South Africa. After recovering from a groin injury suffered in training he is back but looked off the pace against Bolton.

 

Peter Crouch

Love him or hate him, you cannot criticize his record: 18 goals in 36 games including two against Egypt. Not always first choice but he remains a great impact player. Came off the bench in each of the last four games.

 

-- IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE

 

Paul Robinson

Has enjoyed a good season but has conceded four goals in his last two appearances has seen him drop behind Joe Hart in the pecking order.

 

Wes Brown

Dependable defender but currently injured. If he is fit, Capello will want him on the plane but time is running out.

 

Matthew Upson

The jury is still out on Upson. Having an average season for West Ham, but regarded as good cover for Terry and Ferdinand.

 

Michael Dawson

His performances have echoed Spurs’ success this season. Won two player of the year awards at Spurs and heard “Dawson for England” echo around White Hart lane on Saturday.

 

Phil Jagielka

Such a great prospect but his career was on ice when he suffered serious injury last April. Now back on a regular basis.

 

Darren Bent

Bent has scored 25 goals this season and now faces a fight with Bobby Zamora, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole for a place on the plane. What more does he have to do?

 

Leighton Baines

Potential cover for Ashley Cole and did not disappoint on his debut against Egypt.

 

Michael Carrick

Suffers by being a midfielder in a country that has Gerrard, Lampard and Barry, but offers good cover, even as an emergency defender. But cannot break into the United team at present.

 

Stewart Downing

Made the last World Cup squad and Capello has gone on record admitting he has been impressed by the winger.

 

Theo Walcott

A shock choice last time, but has not progressed as expected with injuries his biggest problem. He was poor on Saturday in front of Capello, who must be having his doubts as to whether to include the youngster, though his pace could prove invaluable.

 

Ledley King

Few could have anticipated his call-up but according to his manager, Harry Redknapp, he is a “cert” to go to South Africa. When fit, an outstanding defender, and the perfect cover for the defence.

 

Aaron Lennon

If fit, he is a must, and his return for his first game in 2010, for Spurs at Old Trafford, can only be a good sign. Came on again, against Bolton, and seems off the pace.

 

Shaun Wright-Phillips

With Beckham gone, he has a chance but not even a regular at Manchester City.

 

Joe Cole

When he’s good he’s very good, and went to the last World Cup, but he struggles to make Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

 

Emile Heskey

Heskey has his critics, just seven goals in 57 internationals is hardly impressive. Has been on the bench for each of Villa’s last five games.

 

Bobby Zamora

Previously wouldn’t have got a look in, but Roy Hodgson has championed the Fulham striker’s cause. And he has responded with his best ever scoring season in the top flight, though an Achilles problem could work against him.

Edited July 13, 2010 by Park Life

[Park Life 71]

 

 

 

 

England hope to avoid US repeat

 

England go into their 13th FIFA World Cup™ as not just Group C's main attraction but as overwhelming favourites to finish top. Yet they may not have things their own way. The USA have upset England before and they will be hopeful of making progress – the Americans have a depth of quality and experience that puts them in a different league from the college kids who travelled to Italia 90 with the Stars 'n' Stripes two decades ago. Slovenia, making their second FIFA World Cup appearance, and Algeria, their third, complete the section – but will be determined to do much more than make up the numbers.

 

The favourites

England: The Three Lions have never won the FIFA World Cup on foreign soil but travel to South Africa believing the adventure will go beyond the quarter-finals this time. Confidence is high after an impressive qualifying campaign from Fabio Capello's side who finished as 34-goal top scorers in the European Zone, winning nine of ten matches. Wayne Rooney hit nine goals and can have a galvanising effect – indeed, while his World Cup bow four years ago ended with a red card against Portugal the same thing happened to Diego Maradona and look how he responded. Add the Capello factor – the Italian has brought discipline and focus – and England will expect to win this group and prosper.

 

USA: The United States contest their sixth successive finals and will fancy their chances of advancing from the group stage for the first time since their quarter-final run in 2002. Bob Bradley's team can also take heart from their efforts at the FIFA Confederations Cup on South African soil in 2009 – they stunned Spain in the semi-finals and led Brazil 2-0 in the final before succumbing 3-2. They will hope centre-back Oguchi Onyewu will have recovered from his knee injury in time to join a squad that will again look to Landon Donovan for attacking inspiration in his third FIFA World Cup.

 

The outsiders

Algeria: The North Africans are back on the world stage after a 24-year absence following their play-off victory over Egypt. Rabah Saadane's side – who had eliminated Senegal in the second African qualifying round – boast top-level European experience in their ranks, including midfielder Karim Ziani at German champions Wolfsburg and pacy left-back Nadir Belhadj at English club Portsmouth. Antar Yahia, the match-winner against Egypt, will face Bochum colleague Zlatko Dedic in an opening match against Slovenia in Polokwane that both countries will consider their best chance of three points.

 

Slovenia: Matjaz Kek's team were surprise play-off winners over Russia, Dedic's second-leg strike earning them victory on away goals after a 2-1 reverse in Moscow. Their first major tournaments as an independent nation came at UEFA EURO 2000 and Korea/Japan 2002 but their current squad lacks that know-how, though captain Robert Koren needs no introduction to England as he plays his football at West Bromwich Albion. Their main attacking threat is Milivoje Novakovic, based in Germany with FC Cologne, who hit five goals as they finished second behind Slovakia in their qualifying group.

 

The players to watch

Wayne Rooney (ENG), Frank Lampard (ENG), Landon Donovan (USA), Tim Howard (USA), Karim Ziani (ALG), Robert Koren (SVN).

 

The crunch match

England-USA: England will aim to stamp their authority on the group in what, on paper, looks their trickiest test in the pool opener in Rustenburg on 12 June. The countries' historical and cultural ties will make it eagerly anticipated on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

A look back

England-USA, 29 June 1950: In their first tournament England suffered their biggest upset on the world stage when Joe Gaetjens' first-half goal earned a ragtag American team a 1-0 victory in Belo Horizonte. One newspaper in Britain assumed the 0-1 score had to be wrong and printed that England had won 10-1.

 

Did you know?

Algeria have never met England but held Northern Ireland 1-1 when facing another British team at Mexico 1986.

 

The stat

10 – England have negotiated the group stage successfully on their last ten FIFA World Cup appearances.

 

The question

At first glance, England and USA look strong favourites to advance but could Algeria or Slovenia spring a surprise? Both did so in their qualifying play-offs but repeating it in South Africa may prove difficult. Click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known.

 

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/index.html

Edited May 8, 2010 by Park Life

[Park Life 71]

England legend Alan Shearer is convinced Wayne Rooney will carry the burden of FIFA World Cup™ expectancy being heaped on his shoulders.

 

As a former Three Lions sharp-shooter himself, Shearer knows exactly what pressures Rooney is likely to be under in South Africa this summer as England try to lift the greatest prize in the game for the first time since 1966. Shearer never seemed to have a problem and, having spoken to the prolific Manchester United man, he has no doubt Rooney will cope with ease.

 

"A hell of a lot is on his shoulders but he can carry the burden. When you have done it for the biggest club in the world for the past 12 months, England will not be a problem," said Shearer. "In fact he is relishing it. The more pressure that is heaped on him, the more he enjoys his football."

Any team that wins a major tournament needs luck, but if all our players are fit and playing well, England have a very good chance.

Shearer on England's prospects in South Africa

 

Once the England captain, Shearer only got one shot at the tournament himself, at France 98, although he was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 96. And having gone through that agony, he feels with Rooney to lean on, Fabio Capello's men can do even better.

 

"Rooney has been awesome. He has had a magnificent season," he said. "He is in the top three in the world without a doubt. After [Cristiano] Ronaldo left, Sir Alex Ferguson asked him to score more goals. He has come up with that. At times he has carried Manchester United but his performances have not dipped. Sometimes as a forward, goals can hide a poor performance. He has scored and played very well."

 

 

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1...er+rooney+ready

[sammynb 3508]

I've said before and I'll say it again - being a winter World Cup England have no excuses.

If they don't win it in Suth Efrika, they won't have a chance for at least the next two world cups after that!

[Andrew 4857]

Favoured 11s anyone?

 

--------------hart--------------

johnson-terry-ferdinand-cole

--------carrick-lampard-------

cole---------gerrard-----young

------------rooney--------------

 

going to do what I did last euro cup with my dad, we're not betting people but just stick a fiver each on two bets for winner and top scorer though at the moment im stumped for who Im going for, injuries all over the place

[The Fish 10963]

Play well in the group, do all right until we're knocked out in the quarter final by a "professional" performance by whomever we face

 

and that's ok, because that's how good we are.

[Andrew 4857]

Play well in the group, do all right until we're knocked out in the quarter final by a "professional" performance by whomever we face

 

and that's ok, because that's how good we are.

 

reckon we'll manage semis this time round myself, and that will be a good result for us

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

Knocked out on pens in the semis or quarters. Probably by a country we've had a war against.

[Deano 0]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Edited May 8, 2010 by Geordie Lad...

[Guest alex]

Knocked out on pens in the semis or quarters. Probably by a country we've had a war against.

[Monkeys Fist 43066]

Knocked out on pens in the semis or quarters. Probably by a country we've had a war against.

Are there any at the tournament we haven't had a "ruck" with?

Other than Brazil.

[ewerk 31195]

Your first report is 5 days out of date.

[sammynb 3508]

Knocked out on pens in the semis or quarters. Probably by a country we've had a war against.

Are there any at the tournament we haven't had a "ruck" with?

Other than Brazil.

 

Last time I looked we were still on speaking terms, usually mocking each other's last defeat, so that England fucked in the round of 16!

BTW, Noo Zeelund is really just south west Wales

[Kevin 1]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Quoted so when England get knocked out in the quarter finals i can laugh in your face. England are SHITE!

[sammynb 3508]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Quoted so when England get knocked out in the quarter finals i can laugh in your face. England are SHITE!

 

Not being English or Irish should I be the one to point out to Mr Snow Patrol that at least Ingurlund will be using passport control in Suth Efrika this June?

[Andrew 4857]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Quoted so when England get knocked out in the quarter finals i can laugh in your face. England are SHITE!

which group are ireland in?

[Kevin 1]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Quoted so when England get knocked out in the quarter finals i can laugh in your face. England are SHITE!

 

Not being English or Irish

And a Newcastle fan? Glory Hunter Shirley .

[Monkeys Fist 43066]

...Colin Murray is a commentator/pundit this year and all, fuck sake i hate that cunt

Life's Great Mysteries #65. How he ever got a job

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

...Colin Murray is a commentator/pundit this year and all, fuck sake i hate that cunt

Life's Great Mysteries #65. How he ever got a job

I quite like his shows on fivelive. As long as he keeps his dippers bias under control.

[Happy Face 29]

As long as he keeps his dippers bias under control.

 

 

That shit won't fly on the BBC will it?

 

[Tooj 17]

As long as he keeps his dippers bias under control.

 

 

That shit won't fly on the BBC will it?

 

[Kevin 1]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Quoted so when England get knocked out in the quarter finals i can laugh in your face. England are SHITE!

which group are ireland in?

 

Low blow, getting beat in the playoff against 10th in the world by someone cheating after finishing the group 2nd behind the current world champions wasn't a bad attempt, considering the standard of our team, its not like we've mcgrath and co anymore.

 

Only reasons i always want England to lose is #1 1966 and how much i've heard about it, and #2 every tournament is met with "we're contenders!!!", then it starts with Motty talking utter ballocks during every one of your fucking matches.

Ladbrokes have you at 3rd favourites for some reason

 

 

...Colin Murray is a commentator/pundit this year and all, fuck sake i hate that cunt

 

Here here.

[Andrew 4857]

I?

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

We will win 2-1 in the final against Spain.

Quoted so when England get knocked out in the quarter finals i can laugh in your face. England are SHITE!

which group are ireland in?

 

Low blow, getting beat in the playoff against 10th in the world by someone cheating after finishing the group 2nd behind the current world champions wasn't a bad attempt, considering the standard of our team, its not like we've mcgrath and co anymore.

 

Only reasons i always want England to lose is #1 1966 and how much i've heard about it, and #2 every tournament is met with "we're contenders!!!", then it starts with Motty talking utter ballocks during every one of your fucking matches.

Ladbrokes have you at 3rd favourites for some reason

 

 

...Colin Murray is a commentator/pundit this year and all, fuck sake i hate that cunt

 

Here here.

If you're agreeing with a point being made, the phrase you're looking for is "Hear, hear" (originally from "hear him, hear him" used during debates), not "Here here"

 

I'm pulling you up because you've done that a few times recently and it starting to get on my tits.

[trophyshy 7084]

I thought he was calling his horse in tbh.