World Cup 2010: England Have An Easy Path To The Semi-Finals

England have always traveled with high expectations frenzied by the media. This year is no acception, but the team do look on form, they have top class players, and what looks like an easy route to the semi-finals of the tournament.  

In Italia 1990, England stumbled to the semi-finals, and then lost on penalties. It was the only time, apart from their victory in 1966, that they have reached the last four. 

This year, England are highly fancied to be on top at the end of the group stages. It is essential that they are in the top spot to make sure they dont get put against another fly flying team.

As their group contains the USA, Algeria, and Slovenia, its not going to be hard to win the majority, if not all, of their matches.

If results go according to plan, the Group C winners—England—can expect a second round game against Serbia, Australia or Ghana, and then a potential quarter-final against France, Uruguay or even South Africa.

It is a tougher route for the Group C runners-up that would mean a match against either Germany and Argentina to reach the semis.

England will be hoping to avoid certain teams on their way to lifting the world cup.

In previous tournaments they have been knocked out by Brazil and Portugal, who they will be desperate to avoid again.

George Cohen, 1966 winner, said: "It looks like they shouldn't play Spain or Brazil until the semis and if they can't get out of their group they should give up."

However, things may not go according to plan for the Three Lions. They have not been playing at their best in the fixtures leading up to the world cup. Traditionally they are slow starters, so they face an awkward opener against the USA on Saturday.