The next step towards the final in Jo’burg was taken yesterday with the draw for the groups were made.
The draw was kind, England have nothing to complain about and will play the USA (the trash talking at work has started, I need to teach them the fine art of sledging), Algeria and the group is rounded out by Slovenia.
It’s not a slam dunk, but it’s about as straightforward a path as any other top seed team and easier than most. The odds on England were cut from 8/1 to 13/2 just after the draw.
While I think England should emerge comfortably from the group, and should win the group, in the past England have struggled to get out of what looked like relatively straightforward groups in the past (Spain 82 is exhibit A). However I do believe that with Capello in charge the players will not be allowed to overlook any game and the team will be extremely well prepared for the opening match against the US.
For all this confidence lets be clear, Algerian and Slovenia are not gimmes. I don’t think there is any such thing at the World Cup Finals, they look like easier games and should be three points for both the US and England. However someone is going to slip up, every tournament one or two good teams will not make out of the group stage.
The second round game is equally interesting, win the group and it could be African champions Ghana, come second and it potentially sets up another classic duel with the Germans for a place in the final 8.
Unlike Germany 2006, Capello has made it clear that the team are there to play football and win the World Cup and indications are this will be a far more focused camp than in Ericson ran in Germany. He has said he will not allow the high profile WAG circus to become a distraction the way it did in Germany.
On the bright side it will be easy to find a bar around Seattle to watch that game. However it may not be the most comfortable time and I have a feeling that other than the George and Dragon, Three Lions and one or two other bars, I will be in the minority with my cross of St George and England scarf.
June 12th is going to be a late start at work and I won’t be the only one.