England to Reach World Cup Quarter-Final, Predicts 'Football Manager' Simulation

Expectancy is low for England's quest at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but according to a simulation run exclusively for Bleacher Report UK by Football Manager 2014, Roy Hodgson's team will make a run to the quarter-finals.

The Football Manager simulation has England beating Italy 1-0 in their opening game, with Arsenal's Jack Wilshere scoring the winner.

Football Manager screenshot

Next up, the Three Lions are predicted to draw 2-2 with Luis Suarez's Uruguay. That game ends with a dramatic Wayne Rooney equaliser in added time.

Football Manager screenshot

England's final group game will be all-important, and Football Manager has Hodgson's team making a dominant statement of intent against Costa Rica.

Football Manager screenshot

The last 16 will bring a meeting with Didier Droga's Ivory Coast. Phil Jones and Frank Lampard will score the goals, predicts Football Manager, with England advancing 2-0 to reach the quarters.

Football Manager screenshot

It's there they will face the might of hosts Brazil. The simulation has Steven Gerrard putting England ahead, but Brazil equalising to take the match to extra time. English hearts will then be broken by a Hulk winner.

Football Manager screenshot

Still, at least it didn't go to penalties.

Football Manager screenshot

England's player of the tournament, according to the simulation, will be Everton's Leighton Baines.