TRUST US TO DRAW THE ARCH ENEMY

THEY LOOKED AMAZING IN THE FIRST GAME, I BELIEVE THOUGH IF ENGLAND AND OUR TOP PLAYERS PLAY LIKE THEY CAN,  THEN WE WILL GO THROUGH

NO DOUBT !!!

ENGLAND 2

GERMANY  1

England finally made their presence felt at the World Cup by securing the win they needed over Slovenia in Port Elizabeth to reach the last 16.

Jermain Defoe's close-range strike midway through the first half was enough to give Fabio Capello's side the three points they required to avoid an early departure from South Africa and finish second behind the United States in Group C.

And after the misery of Friday's draw against Algeria in Cape Town and the controversy surrounding former captain John Terry's comments about the mood in the camp, Capello will have been delighted to see England produce a hugely improved performance under pressure.

The only serious flaw in England's display was their failure to finish off Slovenia after dominating proceedings.

Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic kept England at bay with fine saves from Defoe and Steven Gerrard - then blocked Terry's header before turning Wayne Rooney's shot on to a post after the break.

That led to a needlessly anxious final phase in a game England should have won comfortably.

The delighted reaction of Capello's players, who gathered in a celebratory huddle at the final whistle told the story - in sharp contrast to the reaction of the Slovenians, who were in despair as news filtered through of Landon Donovan's late winner for the United States against Algeria.

England's only mission was to secure the win. Now Capello and his players will hope they can make their mark in South Africa after a faltering start to their campaign.

They needed to make amends for the lifeless performance against Algeria that left them fighting to survive the group phase, and after a nervous opening Capello's changes took effect.

England will now play the winners of Group D - Ghana, Germany or Serbia - in Bloemfontein on Sunday at 1500 BST.

Defoe's goal-poaching instincts are in sharp contrast to the honest-but-blunt efforts of Emile Heskey, who he replaced in the starting line-up, and the value of such a marksman was illustrated as the Tottenham striker gave England the lead after 22 minutes.

He reacted sharply to James Milner's cross from close range, and even though Handanovic got hands on the ball, the effort carried too much power.

England, buoyed by the confidence the goal had given them, went in search of the crucial second and almost got it in a period of intense pressure that followed Defoe's strike.

Frank Lampard could not turn a loose ball in after Handanovic failed to hold Milner's cross, but the keeper then did well to deny Defoe and England captain Gerrard in quick succession.

Slovenia had given glimpses of the talent that had taken them to the top of the group after two games with Valter Birsa testing David James, but England had assumed control after the opening exchanges.

Defoe should have doubled England's advantage moments after the break, but he shot wide from only eight yards after Gareth Barry returned Handanovic's punch into the box.

England were completely on top, and only a moment of over-elaboration between Rooney and Gerrard cost them an opening they had created superbly.

The only concern about England's display was the failure to reflect their supremacy in the scoreline, with Handanovic blocking Terry's header from a Barry corner and then getting fingertips to Rooney's effort to divert it on to the woodwork from Lampard's incisive pass.

And this was giving Slovenia encouragement in a game they should have been out of, as was shown when Terry and Glen Johnson blocked from Milijove Novakovic before Birsa shot wide.

It was the signal for Capello to make a change, removing Rooney - who had been limping slightly - for Joe Cole.

And as Slovenia pushed in the closing stages, James was well protected as they closed out a victory that eased the pressure on Capello and his players.

I truly believe England will win later, it will be tricky but the team owe the fans a great performance and i believe it will come today.

I hope Defoe does start up front and definately play Joe Cole

England  2-1 or  1-0

Hi Everyone,

Hope you have a great world cup, what a great summer to look forward to,

I really believe England can win with a bit of luck along the way, and spain are full of goals so they will be there or there abouts maybe the dutch too.

All bets are on, if youve had any then comment on here

Much Love

Dont forget the Prem League fixtures are out next Thursday

England 2  USA 0

Take Care

Steve

91 Milner plays it short for Cole and he's tackled before gettng the cross away.

90 Aaron Lennon is caught offside on the right, before England win a left-wing corner.

89 The hosts hit another long-range effort woefully wide of Robert Green's goal.

88 Rooney's nod-down is perfect for Heskey but his ball forward is over-hit for Joe Cole. Sums up the form of the two strikers. Is Heskey really worth a start against the USA?

87 England are now sitting even deeper, happy to let the hosts play the game.

86 And that ends a minor international goal drought for Rooney. One less thing to worry about as England head into Saturday's World Cup opener against the USA.

85 Heskey slips in Milner down the left channel and the Villa man cuts back for Rooeny to volley home from 12 yards. Neat finish and moment of the match for England.

85 GOAL! England enjoy a third goal and it's Wayne Rooney, the man the nation is pinning their hopes on, who adds the finishing touch.

84 The hosts play it short before unleashing a wayward shot well wide of the far post. No trouble there for Green.

83 A needless backpass from Carrick 40 yards out goes to Robert Green at chest height and his attempted clearance is sliced behind for a corner.

82 England retain possession on the right before playing it back across the back four.

81 Another fine diagonal ball by Rooney is perfect for Lennon.

80 Jamie Carrager has barely been involved since coming on at the break and he makes a cynical foul just outside the centre circle.

79 Warnock has an opportunity to get down the left and cuts inside but he's snuffed out.

78 Rooney is looking fresh, hungry and in-form...Heskey anything but.

77 Dawson charges forward from the back and Rooney is there again to provide the link-up play.

76 Green is alert to gather another hopeful long ball forward.

75 Rooney drops deep to collect the ball off Carrick before hitting a fine ball wide for Lennon, whose poor control led to a throw.

74 England are happy to play it through midfield now, with Carrick getting plenty of the ball.

73 The hosts work it wide to the right and Warnock stretches to cut out a ball into the box for Green to gather.

72 Heskey works hard to chase down a long ball but Tshiamo Seneo does well to clear.

71 Milner gives away a free-kick with a cynical foul in the centre circle.

70 Lennon hits a low cross in from the right which goes through a crowd of bodies to the home keeper.

69 Senamela makes way for Reuben Thebakang for the home side.

68 England look set to score a third as Rooney lays off for Heskey in the box but his touch is poor and he fails to either get a shot away or lay it back for James Milner.

67 England are fortunate to avoid another penalty as Stephen Warnock makes an untidy challenge on Kagiso Senamela. Perahps more of a penalty shout than the one given against Glen Johnson in the first half.

66 Michael Carrick is caught in possession 25 yards out and Green does well to hold onto a low strike from the hosts.

65 A well-taken goal and no less than England deserve after a host of second-half chances.

64 Rooney latches onto a loose ball in the centre circle before charging foward, and with Cole wide open on the left, Rooney slips it wide of the last man for Cole to take a touch before side-footing wide of the oncoming keeper.

63 GOAL! And those two combine as England double their lead through Joe Cole.

62 Rooney comes deep to collect a throw-in, before there's confirmation it was actually Joe Cole that was booked, not Rooney.

61 Heskey causes some danger in the box but the ball slips out of play with the keeper scrambling across goal.

60 Rooney battles for possession before laying off for Heskey, who then finds Lennon, but the Spurs winger is crowded out.

59 The hosts gift possession back to England and they play it about at the back before Upson hits it long.

58 Rooney finds space in the box and cuts inside his marker but the keeper rushes out to block his attempted chip.

57 The Platinum Stars play Alton Meiring in behind Michael Dawson and he drags a 14-yard effort wide of the far post. The home striker could well have equalised there.

56 Rooney certainly isn't taking it easy as he is booked, just like he was in the 2-1 friendly win over Japan, this time for dissent.

55 First spark from the home side in the second half as Henricho Botes almost latches onto a long ball before Green rushes out to gather just inside his box.

54 Aaron Lennon tries his luck from around 25 yards out but it sails well over the home goal.

53 Aaron Lennon cuts into the middle and lays off for Joe Cole on the left. He finds Rooney in the middle but his shot is blocked.

52 England come straight back at the hosts and slip Milner in on the right side of the box but the midfielder drags a shot wide off the far post. The Villa man should have done better there.

51 England win a corner down the right and James Milner's delivery is headed clear.

50 Rooney flicks it down the line for Aaron Lennon on the overlap, Lennon's cross finds Heskey unmarked but the Aston Villa striker directs a header wide of the far post. Poor finish.

49 Crouch and Defoe may have been taking it is easy and it's no surprise to see Wayne Rooney doing the complete opposite as he tests down a long ball on the right and bumps into the linesman trying to keep the ball in.

48 Carrick's delivery from the left is headed clear at the far post.

47 Heskey and Rooney are on up front, and Heskey makes an immediate impact by getting to the byline and cutting back to force a corner.

46 The Platinum Stars get the second half started up against a new-look England line-up.

Second-half England team: Robert Green, Jamie Carragher, Matthew Upson, Michael Dawson, Stephen Warnock, Aaron Lennon, Michael Carrick, James Milner, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey.

There are 10 changes at half-time for England, with Joe Cole the only man to remain from the first half, a clear indication Capello favours him on the left of midfield for the opener against the USA.

45 Wayne Rooney and a host of other England subs are getting stripped, ready to come on for the second half. Michael Dawson is there too, wearing the number five shirt Rio Ferdinand has been forced to relinquish.

45 And there are sure to be more changes for the second half besides Hart, with the rest of the England squad warming up on the pitch during the half-time break.

45 The half-time whistle goes and as the first-half team make their way off there's a timely reminder of why they're taking it so easy today as Rio Ferdinand follows them up the tunnel on cructhes.

44 England are happy to maintain possession with the break looming.

43 That's the first effort on goal from the home side yet Hart will probably make way at the break for either David James or Robert Green.

42 Mashaba catches Ledley King a little flat-footed 40 yards out before Lehlogonolo tests Hart from distance but the England keeper catches his dipping strike.

41 Cole finds Defoe and the Spurs striker almost slips in Cole with a return ball.

40 Shaun Wright-Phillips and Peter Crouch link well on the right before working it left for Joe Cole.

39 Johnson hits a ball too long for a goal-kick.

38 Terry makes another run forward, perhaps through frustration at the pedestrian pace.

37 Apart from being handed that early penalty, the hosts haven't really put England under that much pressure and their passing has been waywayd, with another long ball way over-hit.

36 Ashley Cole is flagged offside after another burst forward. The left-back seems to have a good understanding with his Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole so they could be the starting pair down the left for England's opener against the USA on June 12.

35 John Terry bursts forward from the back and fails to slip the ball through to a frontman, although England get enough bodies back in time to snuff out the locals' attack.

34 Glen Johnson makes a tackle to concedce a corner, which is played short before being way over-hit for a goal-kick.

33 The hosts get behind the England defence again, this time down the right, but the cross is well over the man in the middle.

32 Joseph Mkalipa gets in a low cross from deep down the hosts' left and Joe Hart has to be alert to gather a difficult bounce at his near post.

31 Gerrard and Defoe then combine to find Crouch but the Spurs striker is unable to get the ball out of his feet and loses possession.

30 The tempo's picked up again now as Terry has to stretch to make a timely headed clearance.

29 Glen Johnson pushes foward with a firm run down the right and he gets in behind the home defence but his rushed side-foot finish is straight at the keeper and the rebound goes to safety.

28 The out-of-contract Chelsea man then hits a long ball towards Wright-Phillips on the opposite flank but it's too long and goes straight out.

27 Joe Cole again tries to fire things up and is brought down for a free-kick.

26 The hosts mount a counter-attack with Ashley Cole not quite back in position but the Chelsea man gets back just in time to win in back possession.

25 Joe Cole injects some pace into proceedings with a burst down the left before laying off for Ashley Cole to cross into the box. Defoe skips over it, though, and it's easily cleared. England's striker pair of Crouch and Defoe are clearly not going to risk getting injured today - especially after Rio Ferdinand's blow.

24 England work another shooting opportunity for Defoe 25 yards out and his right-footed strike drifts well wide.

23 England stretch the hosts for the first time with Gerrard spraying a long diagonal ball out to Shaun Wright-Phillips, who cuts inside from the right and tests the keeper at his near post.

22 Defoe gets behind the defence on the right about 25 yards out and attempts a chip, which barely even reaches chest height and is easily taken by the keeper.

21 The local side are back in possession, with England happy to sit back, and apart from Ledley King looking assured at the back, it's difficult to see what Fabio Capello will learn from the game so far.

20 Glen Johnson pushes up to get a cross in from the right. It appears to be drifting over the keeper for a moment but he tracks back to take the catch.

19 Defoe attempts to beat his man and get a ball in from the right but the ball rolls tamely to the keeper.

18 The tempo's really slowed down now following that early opener by Defoe and the penalty miss by Grobler.

17 Gerrard is now back outside the England box to sweep up a weak attack from the hosts and Capello's men play it neatly through midfield.

16 Steven Gerrard attempts to chip a ball into Defoe behind the defence but it's cut out by a home defender.

15 Ashley Cole concedes a free-kick on England's left but the low cross was easily cleared by Steven Gerrard.

14 Ashley Cole whips in a low cross from deep on the left, an unmarked Crouch fails to poke it goalwards and it's gathered by the keeper. The Spurs striker should have done better there.

13 Joseph Molangoane finds some room on the right to get into the England box and King is well-positioned to block his shot. Commading start by King, who is now set to be a World Cup starter after Ferdinand's injury.

12 The hosts pump another hopeful ball into the box and this time Terry hacks it clear woth ease.

11 The hosts work room to swing in a right-wing cross which is half-cleared by John Terry before Ledley King finishes off the job.

10 Joe Cole moves inside from the left and England play the ball about nicely in midfield.

9 England win a corner on the left but Gerrard's delivery clears Peter Crouch and is easily cleared.

8 Johnson breathes a sigh of relief as Bradley Grobler smashes the penalty high over Joe Hart's goal.

7 England are stunned as Glen Johnson concedes a penalty, bundling over Mzikayisa Meshaba just in the area.

6 Ashley Cole pushes up the left before putting in a weak low cross which is cleared as far as Frank Lampard, who fires over from 20 yards.

5 England are happy to sit back and let the hosts play the ball across the back.

4 Glen Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips combine to play Steven Gerrard in on the right and the England captain pulls back for Defoe to sidefoot home with ease from eight yards. Encouraging start for England.

3 GOAL! Just three minutes in and England open the scoring through Defoe.

2 Frank Lampard picks up possession just outside teh box and dinks it over the home defence but it's too long for Jermain Defoe, who is offside regardless.

1 England get the game underway and the Platinum Stars put it out for a throw-in deep on the England right.

England: Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe.

Joe Hart starts in goal while new captain Steven Gerrard will partner Frank Lampard in the centre of midfield. Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe start up front but Wayne Rooney and the rest of the England squad are set to feature from the bench.

Capello has named his starting line-up and Ledley King comes in for the injured Rio Ferdinand to partner John Terry in the centre of defence.

Fabio Capello's England squad have arrived at the Moruleng Stadium near Rustenburg and are warming up for their final World Cup warm-up game against local club side, the Platinum Stars.

Aston Villa leftback Stephen Warnock has been named in the England squad of 23 for the World Cup in South Africa.

He is joined by teammates James Milner and Emile Heskey, making it the largest ever Villa contingent in an England World Cup squad.

Stephen Warnock was selected ahead of Leighton Baines, whose discomfort at committing himself to being away from home for six weeks eventually counted against him, even though he featured against Egypt and Mexico, while the Villa man did not.

Warnock made his England debut against Trinidad and Tobago as an 84th minute subsitute in 2008.

 He did not feature in either of England's two warm up games against Mexico or Japan but he is now the surprise understudy to Chelsea's Ashley Cole.

Former Birmingham City loan goalkeeper, Joe Hart, also makes the plane to South Africa.

The big surprise omission was Arsenal's Theo Walcott, four years after being the shock selection for the 2006 World Cup.

Walcott has endured an injury-troubled time since scoring his memorable hat-trick against Croatia to launch England's qualifying campaign in September 2008.

Shoulder, back, knee and hamstring problems restricted Walcott to just 15 starting appearances for Arsenal this term.

But after being parachuted back into the England fold for the March friendly against Egypt and then keeping his place for the recent wins over Mexico and Japan, it appeared Walcott had put fears about his form to bed.

Yet Capello has today delivered his own verdict on the 21-year-old, leaving him out of a 23-man party that includes Shaun Wright-Phillips instead.

Walcott said: "I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision. I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament."

Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Darren Bent, Michael Dawson and Scott Parker were not expected to be involved and can now start booking their summer holidays after Capello confirmed they would not be part of his squad.

With scans on Gareth Barry's ankle injury confirming that he was on track to recover in time to play a full part in training immediately after the Group C opener against the United States on June 12, Capello was able to formulate the rest of his squad largely as predicted.

England's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa:

J Hart, D James, R Green; J Carragher, A Cole, R Ferdinand, G Johnson, L King, J Terry, M Upson, S Warnock; G Barry, M Carrick, J Cole, S Gerrard, F Lampard, A Lennon, J Milner, S Wright-Phillips; P Crouch, J Defoe, E Heskey, W Rooney.

The seven players to miss out are: Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, Darren Bent.

James Milner was centre of attention as he excelled in the middle ground during England's 3-1 victory over Mexico at Wembley.

In the penultimate game before the World Cup, Milner partnered Manchester United playmaker Michael Carrick in central midfield for Fabio Capello's side.

And the all-action star, picking up his eighth cap, put in an impressive 85 minute performance against the lively South American team, breaking up play brilliantly as well as providing crisp and incisive passing when going forward.

Goals from Ledley King, former Villa man Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson were enough to claim the win for the Three Lions.

Stephen Warnock and Emile Heskey were unused substitutes.

The Three Lions now face Japan in another friendly match on Sunday in the UPC Arena in Graz, Austria.

England boss Capello whittles his 30-man squad down to 23 next Tuesday, with claret and blue fans keeping their fingers crossed that Milner, Heskey and Warnock can remain in the picture for the summer showpiece.

Hargreaves left out, as Carragher & King get the call     

England coach Fabio Capello has named Gareth Barry and Jamie Carragher in his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has come out of retirement to be named in the squad to help provide cover in defence.

Manchester City midfielder Barry was a major doubt for the squad after picking up an ankle injury last week, but Capello has taken a gamble on his fitness.

As a result of Barry's inclusion Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been omitted after he was tipped to replace Barry in the selection.

Tottenham quintet Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch have been included in the squad.

King has been given the nod despite his injury problems, but Wes Brown and

Joleon Lescott have both been left out.

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has made the squad despite struggling to hold down a place in the Blues side this season.

Joe Hart has been rewarded for his impressive form during his loan spell at Birmingham with a place in the squad alongside David James and Robert Green

There is no spot for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora with Darren Bent being named among the strikers along with Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Crouch and Defoe

England's 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup finals:

Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green,

Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock,

Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips,

Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.

Martin O'Neill reckons England have a "proper chance" of success in this summer's World Cup - and he would love some of his Villa stars to be a part of it. Fabio Capello will name his provisional squad of 30 for the showpiece on Tuesday, with as many as six Villa players vying for a seat on the plane to South Africa. James Milner, Emile Heskey, Ashley Young, Stephen Warnock, Stewart Downing and Gabby Agbonlahor have all been named in England squads during Capello's reign. O'Neill believes England have an excellent chance at the tournament - because of the quality of their squad and the favourable group stage draw which puts them up against the USA, Algeria and Slovenia. He rates the Three Lions as one of the teams capable of making an impact in the latter stages of the World Cup, alongside Brazil and Argentina.

"This is a big time because England have a proper chance - a real proper chance," said O'Neill. "You couldn't have handpicked the group better and they give themselves a great chance.

"It is alright for me because I am not looking at it through Capello's eyes at all and he will consider the games difficult and I'm sure there will be difficulties along the way - and maybe an unexpected difficulty in the games early on.

"But you would expect them to get through, expect them to top the group they are in and if things worked out in the other group, their last 16 opponents look not bad.

"So things are geared up. Of course, like everything else, things can happen. You can pick up an injury here and there, a major player can get injured and upset the balance but overall I think England must go there with real genuine hope of being able to do something.

"It doesn't mean that Brazil wouldn't be strong - they might even produce a player or two that we don't know that might even have played in Brazil and we haven't seen them in Europe.

"Argentina possess the best player in the world at this minute [Lionel Messi] and the other centre forward [Gonzalo Higuain] playing for Real Madrid.

"If Maradona gets his thinking cap on, he'll maybe produce a real side despite their troubles to qualify."

The Villa boss would be "thrilled to bits" if as many of the club's players as possible made the final squad.

Although he accepts it is Capello's judgement that counts, O'Neill was only too happy to offer his thoughts when the Italian asked him about some of Villa's players.

In particular, he feels Emile Heskey's contributions in qualifying have enhanced his chances of partnering Wayne Rooney in attack.

"He has see enough games now of our team and our players to have made up his own mind without ever asking anybody," added the Villa chief.

"That is not to say that he hasn't asked me about players. I met him last summer when we were involved in the Peace Cup and he was there on a little holiday break.

"He asked me about a number of players in our team. Obviously since I work with them every day, I was pleased to offer my opinion.

"Eventually he will make the decisions on what he thinks and really that is the only judgement that counts.

"He will have seen enough in James Milner to know that he would be an asset to him. My own view is that I think Ashley Young is terrific, really terrific, and I've been saying that for some considerable time.

"Wayne Rooney is, of course, an absolute certainty to go - you're building a team around him as much as anything else - then you've got a number of centre forwards who will travel with the squad - we've got Gabby and Emile.

"Emile has probably got a head start in the sense that he has done things in the Capello reign that will stand him in really good stead. So, there is not much more I can say about them other than the fact anyone who is picked I would be thrilled to bits for them and I'd be delighted ."

ITV and the BBC have confirmed the split of matches for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Live coverage of England’s group games will be split between the two broadcasters as follows:

Saturday 12 June, 7.30pm - England v USA ( ITV1)

Friday 18 June, 7.30pm - England v Algeria (ITV1)

Wednesday 23 June, 3pm -Slovenia v England (BBC One)

The opening game between South Africa and Mexico from Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium will be broadcast on ITV1.During the knockout stage of the tournament the split of games between the two broadcasters will depend on England’s progression through the tournament. In all scenarios, the BBC will take first pick of the ‘round of 16’ and ‘quarter final’ matches.  If England reach the semi final, the game will be shown live by both ITV and the BBC.  Both ITV and the BBC will show the World Cup final live.

The scenarios covering the knockout stages are attached in a table at the bottom of this page.

Each broadcaster will also simulcast live games on their own websites – following the same split pattern as the television games.  Plans for highlights programming and online highlights will be announced in due course.

Niall Sloane, ITV’s Controller of Sport said: “We’re delighted that ITV will kick off coverage of this summer’s World Cup and that England’s two opening games will be shown live on ITV1 in peak time.  There is no bigger event on UK television or online than the World Cup and ITV will be at the heart of the action from the first kick through to the final whistle.”

Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport said: "The BBC are very happy with how the TV split of matches for the World cup has been resolved. The BBC has some of the most appetising of the Group fixtures, and will be showing live every England match from their final Group game onwards, so we hope to be with them for a long and successful campaign. The BBC will aim again to capture the very best of the biggest event of the year across all its outlets, on TV, on radio and online."

James Milner, Ashley Young, Gabby Agbonlahor, Stewart Downing and Stephen Warnock - they're all hoping to be on the plane to South Africa for England's World Cup challenge this summer. And you'll have the chance to cheer on our club representatives at the World Cup screenings here at Villa Park.

Tickets are £5 and this includes a basket meal and entry to join fellow fans for all the pre-match build-up, with the games live on our big screen and televisions.

Screening tickets are now on sale for all three of England's group games:

England v USA - June 12, 7.30pm KO - doors open 5pm

England v Algeria - June 17, 7.30pm KO - doors open 5pm

Slovenia v England - June 23 3pm KO - doors open 12noon

Book by calling 0800 612 0950. Private packages are also available, for more details call 0800 612 0960.

England legend Alan Shearer has publicly stated his desire to see Aston Villa starlet Ashley Young in Fabio Capello’s final 23 man squad for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. Many pundits are pointing to a battle between Young and Chelsea’s Joe Cole for the final wing spot on England’s roster, and Shearer believes it is Young that would benefit striker Wayne Rooney the most.

“As a former striker, the thing I like about Young is that he is direct and he attacks at pace,” said the former Newcastle striker.

“Those traits helped him win the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season.

“Even though he plays on the left for Villa, he is really good at shaping to take the ball down the wing and then checking back on his right foot to deliver a good ball into the box.

“With Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney scoring all 26 of his Premier League goals in the penalty box this season, Young’s crossing ability certainly comes into consideration. The 24-year-old can also score, too, with five league goals and nine overall this season.”

England has many options on the wing but no clear front-runners as of yet. Ashley Young and Joe Cole are both vying for a spot over the likes of the impressive Adam Johnson and Stewart Downing.

Fabio Capello’s 23 man roster will be announced on June 1st.

On 18 November the guest list for the biggest party in world football was finalised and set in stone.

Next summer, 32 national teams will head to South Africa to compete in the 19th World Cup finals each hoping, with varying degrees of realism, to write themselves into the illustrious history of football's most coveted prize.

There are the usual suspects from Brazil, Italy, Spain and Germany the damaged but dangerous Argentina, France and Portugal, but also the dark-horses from the Ivory Coast and USA, those capable of a latter-stage surge like Australia and Cameroon and a differing collection of determined dreamers from across the globe.

You may also have heard about a certain team in white who have lately rejuvenated themselves under authoritative Italian guidance? Don't worry if you haven't yet, you will.

So with the draw now complete, squad announcements expected around mid-May and the tournament getting under way from 11 June, we take an early look at the teams.

GROUP A: SOUTH AFRICA

Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Key player: Kagisho Dikgacoi

Best: Round one (1998, 2002)

World ranking: 86

Qualifying as hosts has its obvious advantages - giving straight passage without having to kick a ball in anger. However, the lack of a competitive edge is the drawback and South Africa will need to compensate for this by preparing thoroughly for the tournament on home soil. As with previous sporting events in the country, they are sure to have a passionate support backing them.

The side failed to score a single goal in the 2006 African Cup of Nations and immediately afterwards set about finding a new manager who could lead them during the 2010 World Cup. Parreira was their choice but it has not been plain sailing. The Brazilian briefly left for family reasons, after which he coached Fluminese in his homeland, before returning in October of this year. They showed how far they have come with a good showing at this year's Confederations Cup, where they finished fourth out of eight teams. However, the team remains disjointed and there are fears that they could be embarrassed.

MEXICO Manager: Javier Aguirre

Key player: Rafael Marquez

Best: Quarter-final (1970, 1986)

World ranking: 15

Mexico made sure of their 14th appearance at the finals with a game to spare after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over El Salvador - despite a swarm of bees in the goalmouth halting play for 10 minutes. Javier Aguirre's side won six of their nine games to seize the initiative in the group after a stuttering under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Team captain Rafael Marquez has praised coach Aguirre for bringing back the team's belief following Eriksson's disappointing reign. The no-nonsense Aguirre has certainly improved the side and they are likely to prove tricky opponents in South Africa, especially in matches at altitude. Barcelona defender Marquez is their star man, but Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Andrés Guardado and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela are both talented performers, while West Ham striker Guillermo Franco is becoming something of a cult hero at Upton Park.

URUGUAY Manager: Oscar Tabarez

Key player: Diego Forlan

Best: Winners (1930, 1950)

World ranking: 19

Two-time world champions Uruguay clinched the 32nd and final place in South Africa with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Costa Rica via the play-offs. Oscar Tabarez's men will reflect on their priceless 1-0 victory in San Jose in the first leg, which meant all they needed was to avoid defeat in Montevideo in the second leg. They took the lead through Sebastian Abreu and although Walter Centeno equalised for Costa Rica, the visitors failed to level the tie. In the South American qualifying group, Uruguay were the epitome of inconsistency - winning six, drawing six and losing six. Of all the teams who qualified from the group, Uruguay beat only Paraguay.

Uruguay possess some talented players who regularly do the business for their club sides but have rarely produced on the international stage. Case in point is Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan whose goalscoring record is hugely impressive in La Liga but his international form less so. However, if their big guns can fire they may well overcome what has become a crippling inability to perform on the biggest stage.

FRANCE Manager: Raymond Domenech

Key player: Franck Ribery

Best: Winners (1998)

World ranking: 7

Having finished a point behind Serbia in Group Seven the French, led by Raymond Domenech, were paired with Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. A 1-0 win in Ireland was followed by a game of huge talking points in France, with the Irish going in front through Robbie Keane and taking the tie to extra-time. France won it, but with a goal from William Gallas that came from a blatant handball from Thierry Henry.

Controversial it may be but France will be in South Africa this summer and it would be naive to assume they are not capable of going far because of the circumstances surrounding their qualification. The side is packed with talent, including Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Gallas of Arsenal in defence, Real Madrid "water-carrier" Lassana Diarra and Bayern Munich's mercurial Franck Ribery in midfield and Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea and Barcelona's Henry up front. However, the jury remains out on coach Domenech, who is widely seen as the reason such an able group of players continue to under-achieve, and for the first time in many years the French are not viewed as certainties for the latter stages.

  GROUP B: ARGENTINA

Manager: Diego Maradona

Key player: Lionel Messi

Best: Winners (1978, 1986)

World ranking: 8

Argentina endured a torrid qualifying campaign under manager Diego Maradona, who seemed to grow increasingly eccentric as the pressure on him grew. However the side came good in their crunch match in Uruguay, with Mario Bolatti's late goal securing the 1-0 win which secured their place in South Africa. Argentina had only failed to qualify for a World Cup once in their history - in 1970 - but their victory secured the fourth and final qualifying spot in the South America group.

Whilst they may appear to be as weak as at any time in living memory, you can never truly write off a side that boasts attacking talent such as Barcelona's 2009 Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria of Benfica. The manager's selection policy is a concern though and they are vulnerable in defence. Whilst they undoubtedly possess the resources to be competitive, it is difficult to predict how they will get on in South Africa (although the number of detractors continues to grow) but whatever happens, with Maradona in the dugout it will be an interesting ride.

  NIGERIA Manager: Shaibu Amodu

Key player: Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Best: Round two (1994, 1998)

World ranking: 22

Nigeria qualified in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 win against Kenya in Nairobi. The Super Eagles had to win to have any chance of denying Tunisia. They fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but conceded a 79th-minute equaliser, only for Obafemi Martins to seal an emotional win.

The Super Eagles were overwhelming favourites to win their qualifying group and in drawing three of their matches, including both against Tunisia, they showed enough fallibility to concern their passionate following. However, their quality ultimately shone through. Any side that boasts the likes of Everton defender Joseph Yobo, Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel and strike duo Martins and Yakubu in their ranks will be a threat to most teams but they will all have to fire if they are to repeat the success of past sides.

  SOUTH KOREA Manager: Huh Jung-Moo

Key player: Park Ji-Sung

Best: Fourth (2002)

World ranking: 52

The South Koreans secured a seventh successive World Cup finals place thanks to a 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Park Chu-young and Ki Sung-yueng grabbed the goals as Huh Jung-Moo's outfit strolled to a place in Africa's first World Cup. Four wins and four draws, with just four goals conceded in qualifying are a testimony to a well-drilled unit with the determination and ability to get the job done.

Under the leadership of Guus Hiddink, South Korea famously made it to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup on home soil, beating Portugal, Italy and Spain on the way. They are unlikely to repeat such a feat in South Africa and will do well to make it beyond the group stages. Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung is their captain and star performer but even his impressive work-rate cannot cover for deficiencies elsewhere in the side.

  GREECE Manager: Otto Rehhagel

Key player: Giorgos Karagounis

Best: Round one (1994)

World ranking: 12

Euro 2004 champions Greece qualified for their first World Cup since 1994 thanks to veteran German coach Otto Rehhagel, who masterminded their success in Portugal. Having finished second in Group Two behind Switzerland, who twice beat them, they met Ukraine in a two-legged play-off and won 1-0 in Donetsk after a 0-0 draw in Athens, with Dimitrios Salpigidis getting the winner.

Rehhagel is a master of maximising the talent he has at his disposal. He added further to his hero status in Greece by guiding the side to only their second ever World Cup finals appearance, and they will be hoping to at least improve on the zero points haul of 1994. Captain and midfielder Giorgos Karagounis will be key to the side in South Africa, as will Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos in a side that relies on solidity over flair. It is not beyond them to shock the established order again but it is unlikely and the first round may once again be the limit of their involvement.

  GROUP C: ENGLAND

Manager: Fabio Capello

Key player: Wayne Rooney

Best: Winners (1966)

World ranking: 9

Rarely has a qualifying campaign gone so smoothly for England, who have found a new lease of life under the authoritative leadership of Italian coach Fabio Capello. They swept into the finals with a 5-1 rout of Croatia, their eighth victory in eight Group Six matches, ensuring their progress to the finals with two matches to spare and providing a fitting revenge for the 3-2 defeat to the same side that denied them participation at Euro 2008.

Disappointing quarter-final eliminations at both Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup and the failure to reach Euro 2008 were huge under-achievements for a group of players widely considered something of an English "golden generation". However, many of them, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and captain John Terry remain and appear to have found a coach capable of successfully utilising their combined talents. They lack proven quality beyond the first choice side and there are concerns in goal but if they play to potential and Wayne Rooney shines the inevitable hype may finally be justified.

  UNITED STATES Manager: Bob Bradley

Key player: Landon Donovan

Best: Third (1930)

World ranking: 14

The United States had to work hard to seal qualification with a 3-2 win over Honduras, but Bob Bradley's side did enjoy the luxury of having a game to spare. The Americans gave a strong showing throughout qualifying, securing good wins over their principle rivals Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica to take top spot in the group.

The US have featured in each of the previous five World Cups and are now expected to make the knockout rounds. In making the Confederations Cup final, beating Euro 2008 winners Spain along the way and pushing eventual winners Brazil in the final, the Americans demonstrated enough to suggest a latter-stages push is within their reach in South Africa. Bradley's team is well-organised with a good keeper in Everton's Tim Howard, and goalscoring threats in the shape of Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey and Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan. However, the coach used 43 players in qualification, suggesting consistency may be alluding them at present.

  ALGERIA Manager: Rabah Saadane

Key player: Karim Ziani

Best: Round one (1986, 1982)

World ranking: 26

Algeria, the Desert Foxes, are appearing at their first World Cup for 24 years since exiting in the first round of Mexico 86. They made it to South Africa the hard way, forced to go to a one-match play-off against Egypt when they lost 2-0 in Cairo in the final group game as the two sides finished neck-and-neck at the top of Group C. They came through the contest at a neutral venue in the Sudanese capital Khartoum thanks to defender Antar Yahia's magnificent first-half volley that crashed in off the crossbar.

The Fennecs could well be one to avoid in the group stages, having shown enough technical ability and passion in qualifying to suggest the current highest Fifa ranking of 28 is justified. Stylistically they have been likened to a European side and possess a large number of players who ply their trade within the continent, including Portsmouth's Nadir Belhadj and Lazio midfielder Mourad Meghni. In what is often a rarity for an African side they are blessed with a highly talented goalkeeper in the shape of Faouzi Chaouchi.

  SLOVENIA Manager: Matjaz Kek

Key player: Milivoje Novakovic

Best: Round one (2002)

World ranking: 33

Matjaz Kek's side reached their second World Cup finals thanks to a surprise play-off win over much-fancied Russia, having finished second in Group Three behind Slovakia. A late reply left them trailing 2-1 after the first leg in Moscow but Zlatko Dedic's goal in Maribor proved enough to earn them victory on the away goals rule. It would be easy to dismiss the threat of Slovenia but any side that denies Guus Hiddink's Russia a World Cup spot deserve to be taken seriously.

Slovenia have made something of a habit of upsetting the odds, beating Ukraine to surprisingly qualify for Euro 2000 before drawing with both Yugoslavia and Norway in the tournament finals. They also beat Romania in a play-off to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. They are well-organised and tough to break down but lack the class to truly hurt sides.

  GROUP D: GERMANY

Manager: Joachim Loew

Key player: Michael Ballack

Best: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990)

World ranking: 6

Only Brazil and Italy have won the World Cup on more occasions than three-time champions Germany. They have also been runners-up on four occasions and have more semi-final appearances than any other side with 11. They have not missed a World Cup finals since 1950 and that record was extended as they booked their place with a 1-0 victory away to their group rivals Russia. Miroslav Klose's 35th-minute strike clinched the win and saw Germany win the group with one round of matches remaining.

A strong qualifying campaign suggests they will once again be a force in South Africa, albeit not as powerful as they once were. Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack and Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose remain world-class talents whilst young Werder Bremen winger Mesut Ozil is one to watch. They were comfortably beaten 2-1 by England in a friendly in Berlin late last year, but with their game faces on they will be a different proposition and should figure at the business end of proceedings.

  AUSTRALIA Manager: Pim Verbeek

Key player: Tim Cahill

Best: Round two (2006)

World ranking: 21

Guus Hiddink may have gone but his influence remains. The Socceroos showed the same level of skill and passion that saw them only narrowly beaten by eventual winners Italy in the second round in 2006 by easing into the 2010 World Cup without conceding a goal in the six matches it took them to qualify. A 0-0 draw against Qatar in Doha wrapped things up for Pim Verbeek's team after they picked up 14 points in Group A of the final Asian qualifying phase.

There are plenty of faces familiar to fans of the Premier League in the Australia squad. Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer, Everton defender Lucas Neill, and midfield duo Brett Emerton of Blackburn and Everton's Tim Cahill all feature regularly for their respective sides. Former Leeds and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, now with Galatasaray is another skilled, if inconsistent performer. The highest seeded sides will not relish a group encounter with them and they may well make another foray into the knockout stages.

  SERBIA Manager: Radomir Antic

Key player: Nemanja Vidic

Best: Fourth place (1930, 1962, as Yugoslavia)

World ranking: 20

Serbia beat Romania 5-0 in Belgrade to earn automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup as unassailable leaders of European qualifying Group Seven. Nikola Zigic gave the Serbs a half-time lead before they hammered home their superiority after the break through goals from Marko Pantelic, Zdravko Kuzmanovic and a Milan Javanovic double. Edging an albeit out-of-sorts France into second place in a tough group shows the strides Serbia have made.

Serbia are coached extremely efficiently by former Luton player Radomir Antic, who has built a solid side that also comprises plenty of firepower. Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is the most recognisable face, but defender Branislav Ivanovic is a consistent performer for Chelsea, midfielder Nenad Milijas has performed well at Wolves and Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic remains a class performer in midfield. A lack of big tournament experience could be their undoing.

  GHANA Manager: Milovan Rajevac

Key player: Michael Essien

Best: Round three (2006)

World ranking: 37

Ghana were the only African side to progress beyond the first round in the 2006 World Cup and became the first African side to reach the 2010 World Cup via the qualifiers when they defeated Sudan 2-0 in Accra. Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari and Chelsea's Michael Essien scored the goals in each half to give Ghana an unassailable lead at the top of qualifying Group D. In truth though, despite the improvements Mali and Sudan have made, it would have been a major shock had they failed to qualify.

The Black Stars are reliant on the superb Essien and his midfield partner Muntari. Both have shown enough for their respective club sides to suggest they can compete with the world's best. However, there are concerns over the goalkeeping position and they lack a potent goalscorer. If they keep their discipline they could repeat their feat of 2006 but are unlikely to go much further.

  GROUP E: NETHERLANDS

Manager: Bert van Marwijk

Key player: Mark van Bommel

Best: Runners-up (1974, 1978)

World ranking: 3

The Netherlands were the first European side to qualify for South Africa, having won all eight of their games in Group Nine, conceding only twice in the process. A 2-1 away win in Iceland with goals from Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel ultimately confirmed their place at the finals.

The Dutch have often been troubled by a lack of unity within their squad, which has on more than one occasion seemingly scuppered their chances of challenging at major tournaments. However, their run to the last eight at Euro 2008 and the qualification campaign for 2010 has demonstrated, when the whole squad pulls in the same direction they are as capable as any side.

They have plenty to offer in attack through Arsenal's Robin van Persie, Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben and midfield craft in Robben's club teammate van Bommel and Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart. It is strange that a side which only conceded twice in qualifying should have question marks over its defence but many see this as Holland's Achilles heel, a problem that has been exacerbated by the inability to unearth a genuine replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar in goal.

  DENMARK Manager: Morten Olsen

Key player: Christian Poulsen

Best: Quarter-finals (1998)

World ranking: 26

In arguably the hardest European qualifying group Denmark came through in first place, beating an admittedly struggling Portugal side into second (having beaten them home and away) and consigning Scandinavian rivals Sweden to a summer on the beach. It was a 1-0 win over the latter in Copenhagen that ultimately sealed their place at their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship.

After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup coach Morten Olsen considered resigning but his decision to remain at the helm has been rewarded. They do not have strength in depth but possess a handful of players with quality and experience such as ever-improving Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen and former Newcastle forward Jon Dahl Tomasson, now at Feyenoord. Not to be underestimated.

  JAPAN Manager: Takeshi Okada

Key player: Shunsuke Nakamura

Best: Round two (2002)

World ranking: 43

Takeshi Okada's Japan became the first team to book their place in South Africa after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Shunji Okazaki grabbed the only goal of the game after nine minutes to book a fourth successive finals berth. They finished second in their Asian qualifying group, having lost their final game to eventual group-winners Australia, but this should not take away from the ease of their progression.

Japan have shown signs of steady improvement over the four successive World Cup tournaments in which they have participated. As joint hosts in 2002 they reached the second round before losing to eventual third-place finishers Turkey, but they will do well to achieve such a feat again. Much rests on the shoulders of ex-Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, now with Espanyol, to provide the spark.

  CAMEROON Manager: Paul Le Guen

Key player: Samuel Eto'o

Best: Quarter-finals (1990)

World ranking: 11

Cameroon came close to missing out on South Africa. The Indomitable Lions avoided drama on the last day of qualification as their 2-0 win in Morocco rendered Gabon's result in Togo meaningless. Goals from Achille Webo and Samuel Eto'o sent the team to the World Cup for the sixth time - a new African record. Cameroon were bottom of their group after two games, before former Rangers boss Paul Le Guen took over as manager from Otto Pfister.

Regardless of their qualification difficulties, Cameroon possess enough talent and experience to worry the best sides in the tournament. In Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o they possess a truly world-class striker, and Sebastien Bassong of Tottenham and Arsenal's Alexandre Song provide quality and strength in defence and midfield respectively. Realistically the side should be aiming to reach the first knockout stage of the competition at least.

  GROUP F: ITALY

Manager: Marcelo Lippi

Key player: Andrea Pirlo

Best: Winners (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)

World ranking: 4

Italy sealed the chance to defend their world title in South Africa in dramatic fashion, equalising in the last minute in Ireland to snatch a 2-2 draw and top spot in Group Eight. Mauro Camoranesi cancelled out Glenn Whelan's opener for Ireland, but Sean St Ledger's goal looked to be taking the group to the final round of matches until Alberto Gilardino's decisive late goal. They did not have it all their own way during qualifying but they remain a stubborn and ruthless opponent, as their unbeaten campaign suggests.

The Azzurri look to be a weaker outfit than in 2006, suggesting a successful defence of their title is unlikely. Their best players are not getting any younger, but with this comes the experience to deal with a major tournament. Manager Marcelo Lippi has come in for criticism but knows how to win, even if the side will have to rely on grinding out the results as opposed to blowing the opposition away. Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo will orchestrate things but does defender Fabio Cannavaro have the legs to keep pace with the world's best and who will score the goals?

  PARAGUAY Manager: Gerardo Martino

Key player: Oscar Cardozo

Best: Round two (1986, 1998, 2002)

World ranking: 30

Paraguay secured their place at a fourth-straight World Cup finals with two games to spare after a 1-0 win over Argentina. Nelson Valdez's goal earned his side victory over Diego Maradona's struggling outfit in the South American qualifying group as Paraguay joined Brazil in qualifying for South Africa. Finishing just one point behind Brazil is no mean feat for Paraguay and demonstrates that this solid, counter-attacking side should not be underestimated.

After the disappointment of failing to emerge from the group phase at Germany 2006, Paraguay will be hoping to bounce back in South Africa. They may still be finding their feet as a side following the retirement of key players but in forward trio Nelson Haedo Valdez of Borussia Dortmund, Oscar Cardozo of Benfica and Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz they have the firepower to pose plenty of problems. Bowing out in the group stages is likely but they cannot be discounted as a dark horse to scrape through.

  NEW ZEALAND Manager: Ricki Herbert

Key player: Ryan Nelsen

Best: Round one (1982)

World ranking: 77

The Kiwis sealed a berth at only their second World Cup finals with a 1-0 aggregate play-off victory over Bahrain, winning the second game in Wellington in front of a New Zealand record football crowd of 35,100 thanks to Rory Fallon's header just before half-time. New Zealand were overwhelming favourites to win the Oceania group, which they did with relative ease, but it is their play-off win that shows they have the stomach for a fight.

The All Whites are one of the lowest-ranked sides at the finals and on paper appear to be the whipping boys. Their squad is largely a mixture of journeymen and lower league players, including Plymouth striker Fallon. However, they will have little to lose and do possess individuals, such as Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen and Celtic's Chris Killen, who have played at a high level.

  SLOVAKIA Manager: Vladimir Weiss

Key player: Marek Hamsik

Best: No previous appearances

World ranking: 34

Slovakia qualified for their first World Cup finals after beating Poland 1-0 thanks to a third-minute own goal by Seweryn Gancarczyk and some key saves from Jan Mucha. Winning European Group Three was an impressive feat. The away victory at group favourites the Czech Republic shows they have the grit and ability to pose problems for the top sides.

England comfortably dispatched Slovakia 4-0 in a friendly last March which may well be a telling result as regards the latter's ambitions in South Africa. They are no soft-touch, though, and in midfielder and captain Marek Hamsik, who plays in Italy with Napoli, have a true star in the making. A lack of further quality is likely to limit their interest to just the group stages.

  GROUP G: BRAZIL

Manager: Dunga

Key player: Kaka

Best: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

World ranking: 2

When discussing the World Cup it would simply be rude not to begin with the five-time winners Brazil, the only team to have appeared at every finals to date. They made sure that record continued in the best possible fashion, beating their bitter rivals Argentina 3-1 on their home turf. Two goals from striker Luis Fabiano and another from defender Luisao was enough as they inflicted only the second home defeat in World Cup qualifiers on Diego Maradona's struggling side.

The men in yellow and blue are always favoured, but this time, under the managerial guidance of former World Cup-winning captain Dunga they are justifiably considered one of the teams to beat. Dunga's approach may not please those in his homeland who favour samba style over substance, forged as it is around solidity and efficiency, but there can be no doubting his results and he is rapidly winning over the purists. Real Madrid midfield maestro Kaka will be the key man, but he is ably assisted by the likes of Seville's prolific striker Luis Fabiano, Juventus midfield enforcer Felipe Melo and Barcelona's pacey full-back Daniel Alves.

  NORTH KOREA Manager: Kim-Jong Hun

Key player: Hong Yong-Jo

Best: Quarter-final (1966)

World ranking: 84

Iran's failure to defeat South Korea in Seoul earlier in the day meant North Korea only needed to draw in their final group match against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. They did exactly that, with a 0-0 result putting them into their first World Cup finals since 1966. Back then, they famously defeated Italy 1-0 before being beaten 5-3 in the quarter-finals by Portugal - despite taking a 3-0 lead.

Whilst unlikely to pose too many problems to the bigger nations in South Africa, North Korea remain something of an unknown quantity. The majority of their squad are based domestically and in their recent 0-0 draw against Congo in France - their first match on European soil since 1966 - gave little away despite the side missing six key players. Russian-based forward Hong Yong-Jo is arguably their most prominent player, although Suwon Bluewings midfielder Ahn-Young Hak is also an able performer.

  IVORY COAST Manager: Vahid Halilhodic

Key player: Didier Drogba

Best: Round one (2006)

World ranking: 16

Widely considered to be Africa's strongest team, the Ivory Coast sailed through their qualifying group. A 1-1 draw with Malawi in Blantyre meant they were the second African side to reach South Africa from the qualifiers. Chelsea's Didier Drogba came on as a substitute to score the crucial equalising goal for the visitors after Jacob Ngwira's opener.

The Elephants put on an exciting show at the 2006 finals in Germany but failed to progress beyond the first round, largely because they were drawn in the 'group of death' with Argentina and Holland. The side has undoubted talent in the shape of forward Didier Drogba, who is firing on all cylinders for Chelsea this season, Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, and Sevilla midfielder Didier Zokora, to mention just three. The excitement that Africa may finally have a side to challenge for football's biggest prize could well be justified.

  PORTUGAL Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo

Best: Fourth place (2006)

World ranking: 5

Despite having Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2008 Fifa World Player of the Year, in their ranks, Portugal made hard work of qualifying. They were languishing in fourth in Group One at one stage before a late rally earned them second and a play-off berth. Without the injured Ronaldo they secured a place in South Africa thanks to two hard-fought 1-0 victories over Bosnia-Hercegovina.

Similarly to France, Portugal are a side packed with talent but led by a much-criticised coach in the shape of former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz. However, the near disastrous qualification campaign should not fool opponents into underestimating the Portuguese. Ronaldo is clearly their main threat but Chelsea's Deco and Atletico Madrid's Simao provide able support and Deco's club team-mate Ricardo Carvalho marshals the defence well.

  GROUP H: SPAIN

Manager: Vicente del Bosque

Key player: Xavi

Best: Fourth (1950)

World ranking: 1

Spain matched the feats of England and the Netherlands, qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with two qualifying group matches to spare thanks to a workmanlike 3-0 defeat of Estonia in Merida. Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata got the goals to make it eight straight wins, with a 1-1 draw between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey ensuring the European champions' smooth progress to the finals for the ninth straight time.

That Brazil are no longer the number one ranked side in the world is a testimony to the progress made by Spain over the last few years, and the Euro 2008 winners will be a major contender in South Africa. Picking out individuals to praise is not only difficult but very unfair to the rest of the side, but it could be argued the key to their side is Barcelona midfield duo Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Doubters and pessimists may legitimately point to the 2-0 defeat by the USA in the semi-final of the Confederations Cup in June as proof of chinks in the Spanish armour, but with that being their first loss in 35 matches - a run that equals Brazil's world record - teams will have to employ expert aim if they are to penetrate such flaws.

  SWITZERLAND Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Key player: Tranquillo Barnetta

Best: Quarter-final (1934, 1938, 1954)

World ranking: 18

Switzerland got the point they needed to qualify in their final match against Israel but not without a struggle - Ottmar Hitzfeld's side were hanging on even after their hosts had Avihay Yadin sent off after 59 minutes. The Swiss went on an eight-match unbeaten run after a surprise defeat by Luxembourg to reach the finals.

The Swiss impressed at the last World Cup, where they did not concede a single goal prior to a second-round penalty shoot-out loss against Ukraine, and the experience that will come from co-hosting Euro 2008 should put them in good shape for South Africa. The side lacks any true world superstars but Bayer Leverkusen's Tranquillo Barnetta and Udinese's Gokhan Inler are a capable midfield duo and, if fit, Alexander Frei is a capable goalscorer. However, if they are to progress beyond the group stages Hitzfeld will have to weave his magic and hope all his players are on the top of their game.

  HONDURAS Manager: Reinaldo Rueda

Key player: Wilson Palacios

Best: Round one (1982)

World ranking: 38

A 1-0 victory over El Salvador and a crucial last-minute goal by the United States against Costa Rica clinched Honduras' place in South Africa next year. It was a close call though as they only secured their third-place finish in the group thanks to a superior goal difference to the Costa Ricans. It is only the second time they have qualified for the finals, the other being in 1982 - and it has all happened while Honduras has been in turmoil following a military coup in June.

Honduras are a rapidly improving side, boasting a number of players who ply their trade in Europe, including Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios and Wigan duo Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa. Reaching the finals was a major feat for the side in the circumstances but it would be a monumental achievement for them to progress beyond the first round in South Africa.

  CHILE Manager: Marcelo Biesla

Key player: Alexis Sanchez

Best: Third place (1962)

World ranking: 17

To be labelled the most attractive South American team when Brazil are included in the competition is some testimony to the strides Chile have made as a side. Unfortunately, they appear to lack the defensive strength to match, demonstrated through the conceding of 22 goals in qualifying, seven of which came in their two encounters with Brazil. They reached South Africa courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Colombia, with substitute Jorge Valdivia scoring one goal and creating the other three. It is Chile's first appearance at the World Cup finals since 1998.

Argentine coach Marcelo Biesla has instilled a confidence in his side they have rarely demonstrated on the world stage, and his favouring of attacking play is admirable, if not sometimes a touch naive. The squad is an extremely young one, averaging around 23, and is forged around the creative skills of of players like Sporting Lisbon's Matias Fernandez and Al Ain's Jorge Valdivia and the goalscoring prowess of striker's Alexis Sanchez of Udinese and Monterrey's Humberto Suazo. Chile could well be one to keep an eye on and could well upset a few.

FULL LIST OF TEAMS AT 2010 WORLD CUP

HOSTS: South Africa

AFRICA QUALIFYING: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria

ASIA QUALIFYING: Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea

EUROPE QUALIFYING: Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

SOUTH AMERICA QUALIFYING: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA AND QUALIFYING: Honduras, Mexico, United States

ASIA/OCEANIA PLAY-OFF New Zealand

On 18 November the guest list for the biggest party in world football was finalised and set in stone.

Next summer, 32 national teams will head to South Africa to compete in the 19th World Cup finals each hoping, with varying degrees of realism, to write themselves into the illustrious history of football's most coveted prize.

There are the usual suspects from Brazil, Italy, Spain and Germany the damaged but dangerous Argentina, France and Portugal, but also the dark-horses from the Ivory Coast and USA, those capable of a latter-stage surge like Australia and Cameroon and a differing collection of determined dreamers from across the globe.

You may also have heard about a certain team in white who have lately rejuvenated themselves under authoritative Italian guidance? Don't worry if you haven't yet, you will.

So with the draw now complete, squad announcements expected around mid-May and the tournament getting under way from 11 June, we take an early look at the teams.

GROUP A: SOUTH AFRICA

Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Key player: Kagisho Dikgacoi

Best: Round one (1998, 2002)

World ranking: 86

Qualifying as hosts has its obvious advantages - giving straight passage without having to kick a ball in anger. However, the lack of a competitive edge is the drawback and South Africa will need to compensate for this by preparing thoroughly for the tournament on home soil. As with previous sporting events in the country, they are sure to have a passionate support backing them.

The side failed to score a single goal in the 2006 African Cup of Nations and immediately afterwards set about finding a new manager who could lead them during the 2010 World Cup. Parreira was their choice but it has not been plain sailing. The Brazilian briefly left for family reasons, after which he coached Fluminese in his homeland, before returning in October of this year. They showed how far they have come with a good showing at this year's Confederations Cup, where they finished fourth out of eight teams. However, the team remains disjointed and there are fears that they could be embarrassed.

MEXICO Manager: Javier Aguirre

Key player: Rafael Marquez

Best: Quarter-final (1970, 1986)

World ranking: 15

Mexico made sure of their 14th appearance at the finals with a game to spare after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over El Salvador - despite a swarm of bees in the goalmouth halting play for 10 minutes. Javier Aguirre's side won six of their nine games to seize the initiative in the group after a stuttering under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Team captain Rafael Marquez has praised coach Aguirre for bringing back the team's belief following Eriksson's disappointing reign. The no-nonsense Aguirre has certainly improved the side and they are likely to prove tricky opponents in South Africa, especially in matches at altitude. Barcelona defender Marquez is their star man, but Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Andrés Guardado and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela are both talented performers, while West Ham striker Guillermo Franco is becoming something of a cult hero at Upton Park.

On 18 November the guest list for the biggest party in world football was finalised and set in stone.

Next summer, 32 national teams will head to South Africa to compete in the 19th World Cup finals each hoping, with varying degrees of realism, to write themselves into the illustrious history of football's most coveted prize.

There are the usual suspects from Brazil, Italy, Spain and Germany the damaged but dangerous Argentina, France and Portugal, but also the dark-horses from the Ivory Coast and USA, those capable of a latter-stage surge like Australia and Cameroon and a differing collection of determined dreamers from across the globe.

You may also have heard about a certain team in white who have lately rejuvenated themselves under authoritative Italian guidance? Don't worry if you haven't yet, you will.

So with the draw now complete, squad announcements expected around mid-May and the tournament getting under way from 11 June, we take an early look at the teams.

GROUP A: SOUTH AFRICA

Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Key player: Kagisho Dikgacoi

Best: Round one (1998, 2002)

World ranking: 86

Qualifying as hosts has its obvious advantages - giving straight passage without having to kick a ball in anger. However, the lack of a competitive edge is the drawback and South Africa will need to compensate for this by preparing thoroughly for the tournament on home soil. As with previous sporting events in the country, they are sure to have a passionate support backing them.

The side failed to score a single goal in the 2006 African Cup of Nations and immediately afterwards set about finding a new manager who could lead them during the 2010 World Cup. Parreira was their choice but it has not been plain sailing. The Brazilian briefly left for family reasons, after which he coached Fluminese in his homeland, before returning in October of this year. They showed how far they have come with a good showing at this year's Confederations Cup, where they finished fourth out of eight teams. However, the team remains disjointed and there are fears that they could be embarrassed.

MEXICO Manager: Javier Aguirre

Key player: Rafael Marquez

Best: Quarter-final (1970, 1986)

World ranking: 15

Mexico made sure of their 14th appearance at the finals with a game to spare after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over El Salvador - despite a swarm of bees in the goalmouth halting play for 10 minutes. Javier Aguirre's side won six of their nine games to seize the initiative in the group after a stuttering under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Team captain Rafael Marquez has praised coach Aguirre for bringing back the team's belief following Eriksson's disappointing reign. The no-nonsense Aguirre has certainly improved the side and they are likely to prove tricky opponents in South Africa, especially in matches at altitude. Barcelona defender Marquez is their star man, but Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Andrés Guardado and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela are both talented performers, while West Ham striker Guillermo Franco is becoming something of a cult hero at Upton Park.

Friday, 11 June 2010  South Africa v Mexico, Gp A, 15:00   Uruguay v France, Gp A, 19:30

Saturday, 12 June 2010   Argentina v Nigeria, Gp B, 15:00    England v USA, Gp C, 19:30 South Korea v Greece, Gp B, 12:30

Sunday, 13 June 2010   Algeria v Slovenia, Gp C, 12:30   Germany v Australia, Gp D, 19:30 Serbia v Ghana, Gp D, 15:00

Monday, 14 June 2010   Italy v Paraguay, Gp F, 19:30   Japan v Cameroon, Gp E, 15:00 Netherlands v Denmark, Gp E, 12:30

Tuesday, 15 June 2010   Brazil v North Korea, Gp G, 19:30   Ivory Coast v Portugal, Gp G, 15:00    New Zealand v Slovakia, Gp F, 12:30

Wednesday, 16 June 2010    Honduras v Chile, Gp H, 12:30   South Africa v Uruguay, Gp A, 19:30    Spain v Switzerland, Gp H, 15:00

Thursday, 17 June 2010    Argentina v South Korea, Gp B, 12:30    France v Mexico, Gp A, 19:30     Greece v Nigeria, Gp B, 15:00

Friday, 18 June 2010    England v Algeria, Gp C, 19:30     Germany v Serbia, Gp D, 12:30 Slovenia v USA, Gp C, 15:00

Saturday, 19 June 2010    Cameroon v Denmark, Gp E, 19:30    Ghana v Australia, Gp D, 15:00    Netherlands v Japan, Gp E, 12:30

Sunday, 20 June 2010    Brazil v Ivory Coast, Gp G, 19:30    Italy v New Zealand, Gp F, 15:00     Slovakia v Paraguay, Gp F, 12:30

Monday, 21 June 2010    Chile v Switzerland, Gp H, 15:00    Portugal v North Korea, Gp G, 12:30    Spain v Honduras, Gp H, 19:30

Tuesday, 22 June 2010    France v South Africa, Gp A, 15:00    Greece v Argentina, Gp B, 19:30    Mexico v Uruguay, Gp A, 15:00    Nigeria v South Korea, Gp B, 19:30

Wednesday, 23 June 2010    Australia v Serbia, Gp D, 19:30     Ghana v Germany, Gp D, 19:30    Slovenia v England, Gp C, 15:00     USA v Algeria, Gp C, 15:00

Thursday, 24 June 2010     Cameroon v Netherlands, Gp E, 19:30   Denmark v Japan, Gp E, 19:30    Paraguay v New Zealand, Gp F, 15:00     Slovakia v Italy, Gp F, 15:00

Friday, 25 June 2010    Chile v Spain, Gp H, 19:30    North Korea v Ivory Coast, Gp G, 15:00 Portugal v Brazil, Gp G, 15:00     Switzerland v Honduras, Gp H, 19:30

Saturday, 26 June 2010    Winner Gp A v Runner-up Gp B, 16R, 15:00    Winner Gp C v Runner-up Gp D, 16R, 19:30

Sunday, 27 June 2010    Winner Gp B v Runner-up Gp A, 16R, 19:30     Winner Gp D v Runner-up Gp C, 16R, 15:00

Monday, 28 June 2010    Winner Gp E v Runner-up Gp F, 16R, 15:00     Winner Gp G v Runner-up Gp H, 16R, 19:30

Tuesday, 29 June 2010     Winner Gp F v Runner-up Gp E, 16R, 15:00     Winner Gp H v Runner-up Gp G, 16R, 19:30

Friday, 2 July 2010     Wnr Gp A/R-Up Gp B v Wnr Gp C/R-Up Gp D, QF, 19:30      Wnr Gp E/R-Up Gp F v Wnr Gp G/R-Up Gp H, QF, 15:00

Saturday, 3 July 2010      Wnr Gp B/R-Up Gp A v Wnr Gp D/R-Up Gp C, QF, 15:00    Wnr Gp F/R-Up Gp E v Wnr Gp H/R-Up Gp G, QF, 19:30

Tuesday, 6 July 2010      Winner Q/F 1 v Winner Q/F 3, SF, 19:30

Wednesday, 7 July 2010      Winner Q/F 2 v Winner Q/F 4, SF, 19:30

Saturday, 10 July 2010      Loser SF1 v Loser SF2, 3rd, 19:30

Sunday, 11 July 2010          Winners SF1 v Winners SF2, F, 19:30