A team which has perhaps the most stars in it, England is a strong contender of this year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Having failed in the previous World Cup in Germany, this may be the last chance for some of the star performers of the team to prove themselves and lift the world cup trophy. The team is keen to shed aside their dismal performance of the past and come back in a completely new avatar in the 2010 version of the tournament.
How They Got There?
The Youth Force And Older Heads
England had a fantastic performance in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers. With some magnificent display of football, they silenced critics and lifted their spirits from the debacle of disqualification at the 2008 UEFA EURO Cup. In fact their performances surprised lots of people about the vast improvement that has come into the team since their EURO Cup disappointment. In the qualifying rounds, England was always on top with just 1 defeat from 10 matches. They topped the European Zone with 34 goals. The team started in an emphatic fashion and won the first 8 matches in a row. Their best performance was against Croatia whom they defeated by 5-1 goals. Their only defeat was versus Ukraine. However, it did not matter as England had already qualified for the World Cup by then.
The Coach
Continuing his success from club football to the international arena, coach Fabio Capello has instilled that confidence and determination into the England football team. This disciplined Italian is one of the most successful coaches and has utilized the star power of the team to the fullest. In a short span of time, he has created excellent rapport with players and helped build that unity within the team, a quality which was lacking in the side for long. Capello mainly relies on the midfield diamond system which is a combination of attack and defense.
The Team
How Loud Will The Three Lions Roar in Africa?
No other team in the world cup perhaps has so many stars as England. Almost all the players are heavyweights in club football. The attack led by Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey will be further strengthened by a well organized midfield consisting of Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon, Frank Lampard and others. The forward line and midfield will be complemented by a tight defense. David James is the main goal keeper of the side.
Star Studded With Men Ready To Shine
Can the Three Lions do it this time? Well, a lot depends on the players and we have to wait and watch.
Others in Group C
1. United States
2. Slovenia
3. Algeria
