World Cup Preview - Group B - England!

England

Nickname: “The Three Lions”

Coach: Swedish intellectual Sven Goran Ericksson. Will be replaced by assistant Steve McClaren after the World Cup.

Game Schedule:
Saturday, June 10 – England vs. Paraguay (10 a.m. EST)
Wednesday, June 15 – England vs. Trinidad and Tobago (12 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 20 – England vs. Sweden (3 p.m.)

Prospects: England fans were delighted with an easier than usual WC draw this time around. However, there is a lurking problem for the boys in that – if they take their feet off the gas against the likes of T&T and Paraguay, they may allow Sweden to pip them to the top spot. That would set up the worst of all scenarios – Germany in the Second round, Argentina in the Quarters, Italy in the Semis and Brazil in the Final. By my estimation that’s at least two big games too far. However, if they play the kind of open, natural attacking style in the First Round, finish top, if is just possible that England could land in the Final without too much damage. It is perhaps England’s best chance for the whole prize since 1970, when I was six years old, so I’m quietly excited about these possibilities. A quick start is the key, though. They must finish top of Group B.

Big Media Story: The tabloids will always do their best to spoil England’s chances. Now that the question of Sven’s future is sorted – with Steve McLaren recently appointed England manager post-WC – the obsession will focus to the issue of when – or if – Wayne Rooney will be fit to play.

Key Player: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard – top scorer for his championship-winning club this year with twenty.

Youngster to watch: If Rooney plays, he will capture the attention and transform the side. If not, perhaps it will give shock inclusions such as ex-Leeds boy Aaron Lennon and even Arsenal youngster Theo Walcott a chance to shine.

Who Will Get the Goals: The burden will fall on the “veteran” striker Michael Owen, but England have lots of scoring threats with Beckham from free kicks, Lampard with late runs and fierce shooting and John Terry from corners.

Who Will Get the Cards: Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard is well known for rash challenges – let’s hope he’s on his best behavior.

Funniest Name: With Nicky Butt finally consigned to the dustbin of England history, there aren’t too many funny names around. Plenty of funny looking blokes, though.

Prediction: Sven’s provisional squad unfortunately emphasizes the weaknesses rather than the strengths. To go into a major tournament with two injured strikers, one unproven at international level and one without any Premiership experience, seems foolhardy. My heart says the play Brazil in the final; however, my head says that they qualify second out of a tight group, with Poland edging them on goal difference in the third game after drawing in the second. That sets them up for a brutal schedule described above. After a stirring victory over Germany in the Round of Sixteen, I’m afraid that the Argies will be too much for us this time in the Quarter-finals.

~Bob