2014 FIFA World Cup™: Why a youthful England will go further than they did in South Africa

I was only 13 years old when I saw Germany absolutely crush England to pieces at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It was clear that England had an ageing, average squad who were expected to at least reach the semi-finals. Yet another pathetic prediction by the media. But this summer, in Brazil, things will be different...

The World at their feet: Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana

...One thing which really pleases me about Roy Hodgson's England squad is the fact that he's opted for 2013-14's young standout performers in the form of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley. The way Hodgson has selected such players reminds me of how Germany and Spain have blooded in youngsters to their respective national set-ups since 2004 and 2006, respectively. Hodgson's decision to pick Shaw over Ashley Cole indicates that he is not afraid of taking a risk which is necessary if England are to stake a claim as a good international side. But that is not to say that all responsibility will be on young players. Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney have played at the last two tournaments and know the extent to which there is pressure to meet expectations and will help keep the youngsters down-to-earth; especially the first two, who may be retiring from international duty come the end of the tournament.

A younger squad may ease the pressure on Hodgson and thus allow him realistically believe that his team will reach the quarter-final stage, although it is obvious that England will do their best to try and win their second world title. Yet the media will annoyingly and laughably expect the Three Lions to go all the way to the final at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro if they make it past the second round. I'll tell you why they won't win the World Cup below.

Talk the talk: But can Stevie G and Roy walk the walk?

Hodgson's men have flown to Miami today and will play both Ecuador and Honduras at the Sun Life NFL Stadium; the two opponents ironically face each other in Brazil in Group E. Of course England do not play their first game in Florida until Wednesday night, so at this early point, judging on the players available and their performances against Peru on Friday night, I see the team finishing 2nd in Group D. In the extreme heat of Manaus' Arena Amazonia, beating Italy will be crucial but also seems realistic, when considering that Gli Azzurri have an ageing squad, compared to England's youthful side. But, the heat will be a major deciding factor, and whether the Three Lions will be able to handle it will depend on their performances in the two warm-up games in the United States. Uruguay, (who finished 4th in the 2010 tournament) provided they have Luis Suarez fit to play, may prove too good for the Three Lions.

England, from a rational point of view, will finish 2nd in their group. I believe that at this early stage, they will face Japan or Colombia in the Round of 16, but will hope to avoid the latter South Americans who will be playing on continental soil. Depending on who they play and beat, a possible quarter-final set-up against Brazil on the 4th July will be extremely difficult, especially in the fiery heat of Fortaleza - perhaps the last city any team, including the hosts themselves, will wish to play in. We saw last year how Spain and Italy struggled to score even during extra time in Fortaleza's Estádio Plácido Aderaldo Castelo at last year's Confederations Cup tournament; expect the same from England. And even if the Three Lions do beat Italy in the humidity of Manaus, Brazil will be stronger opponents. Why? Because the likes of Neymar, Oscar and Thiago Silva will be playing on home soil, just as they did when they beat Spain to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and are arguably more skilled and experienced than Sturridge, Lallana, Cahill and co. 

Then again, it is too early to predict what will happen. Playing in a warmer climate may be a stumbling block for the Three Lions going far in Brazil, but the talent and team spirit will generally be quite high and will be crucial for a better performance than a mediocre at best campaign in South Africa, four years ago.

CREDITS:

Photo 1: http://static.allsports.com.gh/img/epl/origs2824744/797636761-w644-h960/lallanashawhighs-gj1fjfu2ifv112qz61e8bug3h.jpg

Photo 2: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/audio/video/2013/9/6/1378460659982/Roy-Hodgson-and-Steven-Ge-016.jpg