Can England do it?
08/04/02 | by Matt Chadwick

As the season draws to an end and the sun is starting to emerge, it’s usually a case of weeks and weeks without football where, supposedly, we have chance to concentrate on the more important things in life. But this year we have to novelty of the World Cup to keep us going and I for one am going to enjoy it.

It wasn’t long ago we had to endure seeing England being beaten 1-0 on home soil to our arch enemies Germany to put a humiliating end to Wembley Stadium, and our chances of making reaching Korea and Japan looked slim to say the least. But the turn around Sven Goran Eriksson has managed to achieve has been remarkable and now we find ourselves back at the forefront of world football.

Argentina, Nigeria and Sweden. This is no doubt a difficult group but I see no reason why we can’t finish second if not first. Argentina will obviously be our biggest challenge and are a lot of people's favourites to go all the way, but on our day we can match anyone. Nigeria and Sweden are two very good sides, but England are better and should be able to beat them both, which would give us every chance of progressing.

Once into the knockout stages anything can happen. England have not had the best luck in recent years but in a straight knockout game a lucky goal, a sending off or even penalties could decide a game.

Injuries and fitness are going to play a vital part in our chances this year as many first team players are either sidelined or have just returned from injury. This week we have seen David Beckham’s World Cup chances put in jepardy by a disgraceful tackle from Diego Tristan, but it looks as though it is not too serious and he may be back in action within a week or two.

Providing every player is fully fit this would be my first choice England starting eleven:

Goalkeeper

Seaman - Only recently returned from injury but has already proved once more he is the best goalkeeper in the country.

Right back

Gary Neville - He has a lot of critics, but for me he is the best right back we have and he has the experience to do well.

Centre backs

Sol Campbell - A great defender, and after a slow start he has found his feet at Arsenal. His sheer presence at the back will be a plus to England’s chances.

Rio Ferdinand - For me he has improved no end since joining Leeds and I think he has the class to bring the ball out from the back.

For me Rio and Sol are a well balanced central defensive partnership, and neither lack the experience or bottle needed for such a big occasion

Left Back

Ashley Cole - His fitness is my main worry but if all goes well he will bring an attacking side to England’s defence.

Right Wing

David Beckham - Picks himself really. A goalscorer, a brilliant passer and crosser of the ball, a hard worker and a brilliant leader. For me he’s our most important player.

Centre midfield

Paul Scholes - Not had the best season, but in recent weeks has started putting in the performances we know he is capable of. He has a good understanding with Beckham and is a vital part of the team.

Steven Gerrard - Another injury-prone player but all being well, should be fit and ready to produce some performances like his memorable display in Munich in our 5-1 thrashing of Germany.

Left Wing

Emile Hesky - Admittedly he’s no left winger, but England do have a lack of left sided players, and with his strengh and height I feel he has a vital part to play.

Strikers

Michael Owen - On his own, no one can catch him, and he is definitely a world class player. Michael should start every game, no question

Robbie Fowler - I cannot understand why Fowler doesn’t have more caps for England. He is a natural goalscorer and a very good footballer, he wont let us down.

I can’t deny it will be a very difficult task but I honestly believe we have the right blend of youth and experience to win the World Cup. I wish Sven and the boys all the best and hope they do us proud whatever the outcome.