The gods were smiling this evening as England got the best draw they could possibly have hoped for in South Africa. They were placed in Group C along side USA, Algeria and Slovenia. Their first game will come against the Americans on June 12.Looking at the possibilities before the draw was made, there were teams that England would have wanted to avoid, notably France and Portugal so they will be satisfied with their three opponents. To win the group now will be the expectation from fans and you would think England will. USA and Slovenia will be expected to fight it out for second, Slovenia who knocked out Russia in the play-offs, while I admit I don't know much about Algeria, though they won their qualifying group and also beat Egypt in a play-off, so maybe they shouldn't be written off completely.
But if England are serious contenders to win the tournament then they should not be too concerned about who lies in their group, though you don't want be too complacent either.
Looking further ahead England will be keen to avoid Germany in the last 16 who could lie in wait if either fail to win their groups. Otherwise it would be one from Australia, Serbia or Ghana.
Looking at the rest of the draw the group of death this time appears to be Group G which contains Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea. That's Ronaldo, Drogba and Kaka coming up against each other in the group stages. France got off the hook somewhat, avoiding the big seeds and being placed into Group A with hosts South Africa, while their toughest test are likely to be Mexico. The other top sides will be expected to progress with a minimum of fuss. The first game of the tournament will be hosts South Africa against Mexico in Johannesburg on June 11.
Though we all look forward to the draw for the group stages, like the Champions League, it gets really interesting in the knock out stages.
There is nothing like a World Cup to keep you going throughout the summer when the domestic action has ceased and with 188 days until the action begins I for one cannot wait.
