England, England….EN…GA….LAND



Since 1966 England has been disappointing in the World Cup finals. The country of the world finest club competition and a rich football tradition is hungry for success. They have never had a better chance with a powerful midfield and the United superstar the man they simply call ‘Rooney’ upfront.

Head Coach Fabio Capello
Team Captain Rio Ferdinand
FIFA Ranking 9

England is one of seven national teams to have won the FIFA World Cup. They achieved this feat in 1966, when they hosted the finals and defeated West Germany 4–2 in extra time. Since then England's best performance at a World Cup was reaching the semi-finals in 1990, losing to West Germany on penalties.

The appointment of Fabio Capello appears to have brought fresh vigor to the England squad, many of whom have a point to prove after lack-luster displays when it mattered most under Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren. The team’s performance speaks volumes for Capello's impact in his relatively short time in charge. They powered through qualification and the team is certainly not short on belief.

Wayne Rooney has to be the man up front, and he should be fed plenty of opportunities by the likes of midfield duo Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The John Terry saga has certainly appeared to create some cracks in the English camp, but it could just as easily galvanize them. This is one of their best chances to taste the ultimate prize in world football again, but pressure and egos can be hard to keep under control.

Odds to win the World Cup: 11/2 (£4.00)