World Cup 2010 - Group C

England

Algeria

Slovenia

USA

Group Strength
England will be relatively pleased with what has been pinpointed as one of the weaker draws. Certainly Algeria and Slovenia, both of whom qualified via a play-off, are seen as minnows. Meanwhile the USA, having qualified with room to spare from CONCACAF, still lack some of the allure offered by European or South American teams. However, their performances at the Confederations Cup in South Africa last summer, where they reached the final only to lose to a late Brazil goal, will give them confidance. The Three Lions will still be quietly confident of first place.

Group Favourites
It must be England. Having been seeded first before the draw was made they were expected to be first in the group regardless of who they faced. They have a reasonably tough opener against the USA, but fans will expect nothing less than six points against Algeria and Slovenia. With players of the calibre of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole England will be hoping to go a long way in South Africa. A 100% record, then, is not out of the question.

Battle for Second
The USA will fancy their chances of qualification. Having avoided the likes of Portugal from the UEFA pot, the Americans are eager to go at least one further than in a difficult World Cup 2006 when they finished bottom of their group. Meanwhile Slovenia have team spirit, always important in the World Cup, and a sense of the unknown about them, causing local fans to grow in optimism. Algerians never quit, meanwhile, and off the back of a solid defence could possibly cause a surprise.

The Outsiders
Slovenia are the lowest-ranked team in the group, although they are ranked 33rd, and will be expected to battle with Algeria to avoided bottom spot. However, having only conceded four goals in qualifying, the Slovenians are not to be laughed at. Algeria, therefore are likely to find the going extremely tough, and should prop up the group.

Going Forward
It's not just the group itself that has England fans calling this a dream draw. Australia or Germany, more than likely Australia, will be their round of 16 opponents and they have plenty of grudges about them to up their game. France are the most likely quarter final opponents so a run to the semi-final is not beyond this England side. The likely runners-up, America, will probably meet Germany in the round of 16 and that should end their interest in the competition as Germany are masters of peaking at the World Cup.

Fixtures
England – USA, June 12th, (19.30)
Algeria – Slovenia, June 13th, (12.30)
Slovenia – USA, June 18th, (15.00)
England – Algeria, June 18th, (19.30)
Slovenia – England, June 23rd, (15.00)
USA – Algeria, June 23rd, (15.00)

Prediction
1st – England
2nd – USA
3rd – Slovenia
4th - Algeria