England (The Three Lions) in Brazil……..
It is said that the English invented the game, and the Brazilians perfected it. It would have been ridiculous is they didn’t have a World Cup trophy in their collection, but the ‘inventors of futbol’ have not been too impressive in international competitions.
England’s best run in the Fifa World Cup was in 1966, when they played host to the competition. With the exception of the 1990 Fifa World Cup, the Three Lions have not been able to go beyond the quarter final in the competition.
The success of the premier league has turned many English players into household names. On paper, England comes across as a dominating team. But records will say something different. Outside the World Cup win in 1966, England has not won any major trophy in the world of futbol.
Coming into the World Cup through direct qualification is good news for the team. Ahead if them is a group that includes 2 other World Cup winners; Italy and Uruguay. A potential group of death.
The Venom
Wayne Rooney
Without any doubt, Wayne Rooney will be the leader of the attacking pack. Rooney’s time with the English super club, Manchester United has sharpen this forward when playing against the top set of defenders. Not only is his offensive work appreciated by the English fans, his playmaking is top notch. His defensive work is one that is under-appreciated. This man is all over the pitch when he is allowed to.
There is also Daniel Sturridge, who is currently proving his worth with Liverpool F. C. Sturridge has recently grown into his own as a striker that looks to be heading towards legendary status for his club, and maybe his country.
The Control and Support
In the midfield will be two old horses that seem to have no expiration date on their career. Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and Chelsea’s Frank Lampard have been synonymous to the English midfield line-up for sometime now. Both are creative midfielders, who are expected to dispatch balls into the lane of the forward players. Their pin-point accuracy makes their shots extra dangerous when there is congestion in the box.
With the winger Theo Walcott out of the picture due to injury, you should be on the look out for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to bring some offensive pressure from the wing. Also in the midfield is Michael Carrick, James Milner , Andros Townsend and Adam Lallana
The Bouncers
Some decent defending is expected from the English. They have been quite solid defensively in recent time. There will be no John Terry, but here are enough defensive replacement for the Three Lions.
Ashely Cole, who recently played his 100th game for the Three Lions, will be there to guide the defensive bunch with his experience. In addition, there is Liverpool F.C.’s Glenn Johnson.
While Cole and Johnson might sometime pull ahead to assist the attack, Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling will be names to look for to disrupt counter attacks.
So how will the Three Lions fare?
It is about time England won another major international trophy.
This is a tough group to predict. England is looking to advance from this group by sticking with their long balls and set piece threat. There is enough strength in this team to take advantage of the weakness in their group mates. A well organized team will be ideal for success.
England will have their last match against Costa Rica. Hopefully Costa Rica will have something to play for, which will ensure an open game. Uruguay and Italy will be battling it out at the same time. If England can manage points from their games with both Uruguay and Italy, they will have a really good chance of advancing into the Round of 16.
But this is futbol, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if England will make any of their advantage count.
