World Cup Preview - Group D - England

Two weeks to go before the beginning of Brasil 2014 - time to talk about Engerlund:

Nickname: "The Three Lions"
 
Absurd FIFA ranking: 11th

Coach: Cosmopolitan journeyman Roy Hodgson

Match Schedule:

June 14 – England v. Italy (Manaus, 6:00 p.m. EST, ESPN)
June 19 – England v. Uruguay (Sao Paulo, 3:00  p.m., ESPN)
June 24 – England v. Costa Rica (Belo Horizonte, 12:00 p.m., ESPN)

Prospects: England begin this World Cup campaign with one of the most youthful squads around, skipper Steven Gerrard the only remnant of the "Golden Generation." They also have a relatively simple path to the quarter-finals, thanks to a friendly draw. After what promises to be a hard-fought, grim draw against slow-starters Italy in the swampy environs of Manaus, England face an off-form Uruguay and then Costa Rica in the final group match. The Round of 16 match-up then comes from the weakest group in the tournament. Roy Hodgson will likely turn to the speed of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, who made Liverpool so much fun to watch. England also have loads of weapons from set-pieces, including Gary Cahill's heading ability and Leighton Baines' free kicks. All that said, England love to press the self-destruct button just when things are going well.

Key Player: The weight of the nation lays heavily on Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who can either be brilliant or rubbish depending on his mood. This should be Roon's tournament to make a statement.

Youngster to watch: Happily, there a lot to choose from in this category. Along with aforementioned Sterling, 20 year old Ross Barkley has been in sparkling form for Everton.

Who Will Get the Goals: There could be lots of goals all over the squad, but Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge was the top scoring English player in the Premiership this season.

Who Will Get the Cards: The red mist often clouds Arsenal's Jack Wilshere's judgment when it comes to tackling.

Funniest Name in the Squad: Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster - try to say that three times quickly.

Prediction: Second in Group D to Italy, followed by a relatively simple match-up against Colombia in the Round of 16 will stoke the expectations of the Fleet Street hacks. England's glorious exit to Brazil in a Fourth of July epic quarter final will be one of the highlights of the tournament.