World Cup Wonders

So, the final 32 nations have finally confirmed their place in the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. The months of anticipation are drawing closer to the beginning of the end. Yet, player’s feel the opportunity to impress any invited, watching, national manager is now upon them, as good form now may provide them with that coveted ticket abroad. Fans too are booking their flights and hotels, or are possibly starting a long walk to the southern hemisphere burdened only by a tent and a 24 pack of Tennants.

However, not all fans have as much style and as little dignity as the English, not to mention decorum. Among the other countries finding their way to the depths of Africa are Slovenia, Honduras, New Zealand and, much to Egypt’s dislike, Algeria, exemplifying why this truly is a global phenomenon. France are also packing their white flags after a little handiwork from their talisman. As opposed to Argentina, who are clearly feeling the weight of their supposed iconic managerial figure, after just scraping through to the finals.

Yet, not everyone is venturing south for the summer, not all nations have qualified for the seemingly exclusive event. Scotland, Ireland and Wales are to name but a few of the unfortunate countries who have yet again missed out on the world’s largest party. Their presence shall be missed.

Russia and Sweden also found their paths blocked, yet somehow Switzerland have managed to bag a spot. But, at least that means England have competition when it comes to the “most boring team to watch in the tournament” award.

However, despite the rush of obvious over-inflated excitement that the English media are going to create, generally over what hair cut David Beckham is going to don at the tournament, one has to consider, who will actually make the team? After Jermain Defoe’s 5 sumptuous strikes against Wigan, does he warrant a place in the starting XI? Aaron Lennon also surely can order some shades off Amazon after a truly electrifying start of the season that would give any potential opponent left-backs nightmares before the game, let alone after. Yet, will he get the nod over an aging Beckham?

What about James Milner? Could he be the potential player to make the enigma of left midfield his own, or will Joe Cole recover from injury in such a way that will see his inclusion in the starting team a necessity, even if it is out on the left? Barry, Carrick or Hargreaves could pose the same problem for Capello, yet, their inclusion would certainly be in the centre, moving Gerrard out wide. Unless of course, you decide that England should go for a 3-5-2 formation, or maybe do a Liverpool and play Gerrard as the second striker. Inventive, maybe. Un-English, maybe. World Cup Winning Solution, potentially.

Yet, all that is mere speculation. And speculation it shall remain until the squad is finally announced. Until then, fans all over the World are preparing for the 4th of December, the day Scotland decides which three teams they shall be supporting at South Africa 2010.