Can Capello’s Men Relive ’66?

A few smiles were shared among England fans up and down the country when the World Cup draw was announced.  Placed in a group with USA, Algeria and Slovenia, it is little surprise Capello’s men are clear favourites to progress. 

However, one would do well to remember USA’s shock Confederations Cup win over world number one team Spain.  The US will be competing in their sixth consecutive World Cup Finals and boast a number of British-based players in their squad, most notably Landon Donovan who was highly impressive in his recent loan spell with Everton. 

Meanwhile, fellow group opponents Slovenia overturned a 2-0 deficit against Russia in the Play-Offs to earn their seat on the plane to South Africa. 

Add to that, the withdrawal of England’s key defender and captain Rio Ferdinand through injury and the public shame regarding the personal lives of Chelsea pair John Terry and Ashley Cole, and it is clear qualification to the knockout stages is far from a given.

Recent weeks have suggested that Capello is still far from certain on what he considers his best eleven.  While he appears to have finally solved the Gerrard-Lampard conundrum, many questions still remain.  Who will get the nod between the sticks?  Is Gareth Barry really fit enough to take part?  Should Wayne Rooney play as a lone striker or is a traditional 4-4-2 the way to go?  If anyone can overcome such hurdles, Capello is surely the man. 

After failing to reach the finals of Euro 2008, England have bounced back stronger than ever.  They won their first eight matches to secure 2010 qualification (including two comprehensive victories over rivals Croatia) and ended up European top scorers. 

Ashley Cole has been touted as the best left-back in the world, Gareth Barry has made the holding midfield role his own and Wayne Rooney has just enjoyed the most prolific season of his life. 

If England’s key players can remain fit, then they will be as strong a contender as anyone else to lift the inaugural trophy come July 11^th.