World Cup 2010 Prediction: England Should Win Group Even Without Rio Ferdinand

By now it's old news that England captain and defensive stalwart Rio Ferdinand is out for the 2010 World Cup with a knee injury.

But what does that really mean for the Three Lions?

Apparently a lot, since everyone from fans to bookies seems to think England has worse odds of capturing its first World Cup title since 1966 without their imposing centerback. Even with a stacked roster like England's, it's hard to disagree that Ferdinand's injury hampers their chances.

It's not that England doesn't have suitable back-ups—Ledley King or Jamie Carragher would start for almost any other side—but Ferdinand is their captain and leader. He is ferocious in the air and is as good at positioning himself as any defender in the game.

Fellow central defender and teammate John Terry told the London Times that while their captain's injury is a "devastating blow," he is still confident in their squad and is comfortable no matter who starts alongside him.

I agree.

England should (keyword: should) win their group regardless of who is in Ferdinand's place. The team has too much talent to let its captain's injury derail its World Cup dreams.

Of course, England's futility on the world's biggest stage is another story in itself, but this could be their year.

If Spain, the king of underachieving, changed their fortune in international competitions (i.e. Euro 2008), why can't England?

There is no better time for England to win the World Cup than now. No one on the Three Lions is getting any younger, and with arguably one of the most talented English squads ever, 2010 may be their last shot to put it together. When 2014 rolls around, Steven Gerrard will be 34-years-old, Ashley Cole 33 and Ferdinand 35.

Four more years only increases the chances of an injury or diminishing skills, effectively ending the run for Ferdinand and Co. They have to seize the day while they still can.

The question is, will England end their 44-year World Cup championship drought in South Africa?

Ferdinand's knee could definitely be considered a bad omen, and history is against the English. But like the World Cup tagline says, "One game changes everything."