England

Could this really be their year? The same hype, the same expectation, the same endless talk about how this is England’s best chance in years, with the weather, the players, even the lack of WAGS all playing a fundamental role. Effectively, the country is heading to the World Cup as they do every time, surrounded by a media frenzy that places an insurmountable amount of pressure on the few players England rely on to lead them to glory. A quarter-final exit may well be on the cards once more.

Fabio Capello is the man at the helm. The Italian has conquered European club football, having won the Champions League, Serie A and La Liga. His aloofness from both English football and the English players is exactly the figurehead needed to instate some stability into a side who had too many creature comforts under Steve McClaren. Form, not prestige was going to be the major factor in who makes the cut, yet with the reintroduction of Jamie Carragher to a provisional 30 man squad, a kink in Capello’s supposedly impenetrable armour appears to have been uncovered.

One cannot complain too much though, as the Italian eased England through the qualifying group, winning 9 out of 10 games, with the one loss against the Ukraine commencing after the flight to South Africa had been booked. The English side also topped the European table for goals scored in qualifying (34), something you may find hard to believe when you consider that Emile Heskey is usually the only out-and-out striker.

This proves that England have goals in their side, clearly something needed if they intend to lift the cup. Heskey may not be the scorer but he is one of the main perpetrators. Other countries may have wide or central midfielder players who do not necessarily score much, yet are looked upon to create opportunities for their strikers to finish off, therefore warranting their place in the team– Xavi and Pirlo for Spain and Italy for instance. Due to England’s midfield scoring so highly during qualifying, Lampard (4), Gerrard (3), Walcott (3), Joe Cole (2), Wright-Phillips (1) and Barry (1), they can afford to have Heskey not scoring, and merely creating opportunities for those around him.

Of course, the main reliance for goals will land on in-form striker Wayne Rooney. The frontman scored 9 goals for England in 10 games and has netted his highest ever season total for Manchester United. Rooney brings an all-round game that makes him undoubtedly one of the best forwards in the world. Strength, awareness, creativity, fight and finishing ability are all attributes he possesses in abundance, something no defence would like to face. His fitness may be his only concern.

The midfield has two established names, with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard two of the world’s best players. Under Capello they have even learnt to play together, with Gerrard moving out to a wider left position. Both of these players would stroll into any team and their combined experience and scoring records will be looked upon come summer to guide England through the tournament.

Gareth Barry is fighting to be fit so as to take to the field in his usual defensive role. Otherwise a vacancy is left, potentially to be filled by James Milner. The Leeds United academy player is the most capped Under 21 England player ever, providing him with the international experience some feel he may lack. His form in the Premiership has also been exceptional, something that should aid him well if Barry remains injured.

Milner may be joined by another Leeds United academy player, as Aaron Lennon may take the right-wing position. At 5ft5 he may be the shortest player in South Africa, yet what he lacks in height, he makes up in speed. The winger thrives on running at opponents and with an increased ability at crossing, is surely going to be a starter.

The defence is where the anxiety begins though. Previously thought of as the best defensive partnership in international football has succumbed to injury and poor form. Terry and Ferdinand have both had their problems, on and off the pitch, yet their experience and quality is unquestionable. Stability is what is needed and I believe when the time comes and the pressure is truly on, both will provide.

The full-back positions are occupied by Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson. Cole and Johnson provide attacking options that are required in the modern game to stretch opponents to the full, however, only Cole has the defensive capabilities to make him the world’s best left-back. Questions remain over Johnson as a defender yet who would you replace him with? And anyway, everyone knows the best form of defence is attack.

England’s main worry is the keeper. Calamity James, could beat off an average Rob Green, whereas Joe Hart is just too young probably. Each bring their worries, which will always be in the back of the mind of an already potentially susceptible defence, although, all three are capable of performing solidly for their country.

When looking at the side objectively, it is true that England do have a great wealth of talented players. Wayne Rooney is one of the best strikers in South Africa, Lampard and Gerrard two of the best midfielders. Nobody performs better than Ashley Cole at left back, whereas Terry and Ferdinand could remain the best defensive partnership. The right-wing may not be possessed by a world renowned name, yet the likes of Lennon, Walcott and Johnson all are young enough to become such a star.

The hype is once again there, the players are arguably there also, the WAGS won’t be there and no doubt England’s fans will be there in vast numbers. However, eventually most shall return to England, when and with what will be the optimum factor in deciding whether or not this has been a tournament to remember for England.