2010 FIFA World Cup: Why England Won't Win the Cup

Sorry to be the green ogre here but it is time to be realistic. The World Cup is only one week away. Amid the excitement in England, all fans have been raving about the team’s chances to win the biggest prize in World football. It’s all been positive…too positive.

However, one has to stop dreaming now and start to assess the team’s chances. England is one team expected to get to at least the quarter finals, they could make the semi finals but that’s as far as it goes for me.

There are too many teams who are technically more gifted than the English players; Spain are favourites to win the cup. Brazil will threaten again, and despite a squad lacking Ronaldinho and Pato, Dunga has picked a balanced team that should do well. Argentina are bound to go far. As long as their fantastic strike force combines well, they are going to cause major problems for defenders. The Netherlands are the surprise bunch for me this year; I believe they have the talent to go all the way to the final.  

Where does this leave England?

Rio Ferdinand gets injured and the country hits a panic button. Wayne Rooney has way too much pressure on his shoulders, English players must share their responsibility and all perform at 110% if they want to win the World Cup.

All of the other teams mentioned have more than one player who can sparkle at any moment. There’s been too much focus on Wayne Rooney and I wouldn’t be surprise to see him try so hard this summer that he won’t sparkle at all.

But the World Cup is a competition that the whole world stands still and admires. All matches are bound to be magical and maybe a few upsets will be seen. Mexico can pip the French to go through along with Uruguay, unfortunately South Africa may be the first host to fail to win a game at the World Cup.

Another exciting prospect is the golden boot. Miroslav Klose is 5 goals away from becoming the top scorer in World Cup competitions. But my eyes are all on the hot prospects that have had a mind blowing domestic seasons. The likes of Messi, Suarez, Forlan, Rooney, Ronaldo and Van Persie are bound to be close in competing the golden boot.