England - Group D
Jolly old England, inventor of the beautiful game…and always sort of pissed off that they aren’t better at it. They go into every Cup assuming that it is theirs by some sort of divine right, and generally crash out in the quarterfinals. This year, they’ll have to hope Italy or Uruguay chokes if they are to make it even that far. As always, the English team has plenty of power and pace, but lacks a little bit of cutting edge (preferring to be a blunt instrument). Unlike previous years in which they’ve had an embarrassment of riches on defense, this vintage is a bit questionable.
Players to watch: Wayne Rooney, of course, and Liverpool’s young striker Daniel Sturbridge, who just had his first exceptional season. Captain Steven Gerrard will be a steadying force in midfield, with understudy Jack Wilshire hoping to make some impressive appearances as well.
Prediction: A loss to Brazil in the quarters.
