How Will England Fare in This Year's World Cup?

Every four years the world cup comes around, and every four years the hype of "It's England's year" comes with it. Could this year be the year England live up to the hype, and repeat the epic feat of 1966?

Firstly, it would be obvious to analyse the competition. England has been handed a kind group with USA, Algeria and Slovenia, each of which England should in theory beat comfortably. However, if the last World Cup is anything to go by, England must improve their game to top the group with ease, as laboured wins against Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago showed the home fans that no game is for granted, and possibly highlighting the fact that England lacked a genuine goalscorer after Wayne Rooney's injury, despite Peter Crouch's impressive international record.

However, when looking at the teams in England's group more closely, the challenge would appear more difficult than first expected, with the United States performing impressively in the Confederations Cup by beating Spain and narrowly losing to Brazil after being two goals up. Individual American stars such as Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore have flourished in the premier league this season at Everton and Hull respectively, perhaps allowing Capello to gain an insight into the way in which the American's will attack.

None the less, the odds are stacked heavily in England's favour to ease through this group. Being in group C means that England is likely to face the runner up of Group D, a tough group, in the last 16 of the competition. One would assume that this group is likely to be won by Germany, with Australia looking likely to finish second in the group, despite Ghana's impressive performance in the last World Cup. I

t could be argued as to whether or not Michael Essien can still carry the team. None the less, a last 16 game against Australia looms, one of which seems like it should be a comfortable route into the quarter finals. A quarter final game against France, and a semi-final game against Brazil or Holland seems the likely route for England towards the final, where probable opponent Spain is likely.

Of course, the information which has come to light about players' private lives may become an issue in regards to the team chemistry, especially as it becomes increasingly likely that Wayne Bridge will replace the injured Ashley Cole at left back, thus playing alongside John Terry, the shamed ex-captain who had an affair with Bridge's girlfriend. New captain Rio Ferdinand has also had issues, this term on the pitch after being banned for four games for violent conduct, leading to discussions as to whether Steven Gerrard would be more fit to lead the country into this year's competition. However, if England is to win the World Cup, then these problems will need to be put aside, just for a summer...

Another question that seems to be circulating around the country is in regards to Capello's team selection. The likes of David Beckham and Michael Owen are the subject of the hotly disputed debates, and critics seemingly have mixed views as to whether or not they should be picked. Owen has featured sparingly for United this season, yet his hat trick in the Champions League against Wolfsburg shows us that he's still capable of scoring goals, and would be a good option to turn to if a late goal is needed, as he showed for United in the Manchester derby earlier in this season.

Beckham is obviously an influential figure, and AC Milan obviously still believes that he can do the job, as shown when they started him against Manchester United in the champions league, which could be argued was done out of sentiment. None the less, Beckham's passing and distribution around the pitch is highly valuable and, much like Owen, would be a good option to come off the bench.

Other debates about selection include Owen Hargreaves, a valuable asset and England's player of the tournament from the 2006 World Cup, yet has been plagued with injury every since, and has only made 25 league appearances for United. However, Hargreaves' work rate and options in both attack and defence would seem important for England, in addition to the fact that he is the most consistent penalty taker in the England squad, being the only one to score in the 2006 shootout against Portugal. Personally, I would take these three players. Despite injury and lack of club experience this season, they have all proven themselves on the international stage and that they can do the job.

Other players who are seemingly having good club seasons, yet have not yet made the cut on the international stage, include the likes of Leighton Baines, Darren Bent, Gabby Agbonlahor, and Leon Osman, with players such as James Milner, Rob Green, and Matthew Upson seemingly becoming more vital in Capello's plans. 

So, does England have what it takes to win this year's World Cup? Personally, I think they can if they are kept injury free until the opening game against the United States and if they keep away from teammates' girlfriends, they should prove tough competitors.