Roy Hodgson's men are being written off before a ball has been kicked in Brazil. Thomas Rooney of Footballtips.com looks at why it isn't all doom and gloom.
As England fans, we know the drill by now in the build-up to a World Cup. Lots of expectation, followed by a painful loss and eventual disappointment.
It doesn’t stop us getting excited for the tournament and many of us will still follow England with a great deal of passion. For Brazil in 2014 though, there is no hype over Roy Hodgson’s men.
Qualification was secured later than many expected and there have been far too many below par performances for anyone to label England as potential World Cup winners.
However, maybe just maybe, they can upset the odds. Football is a game full of surprises and the World Cup isn’t the World Cup without a team performing above their station.
So, let’s look at three reasons why England can exceed expectations next summer.
1) The pressure is off
As mentioned, there is no expectation for England to progress to the latter stages. This is different to the norm when it comes to a World Cup. The belief in the team is arguably at an all time low.
Who knows – perhaps this will be beneficial? After all, whenever England have been told they can be World beaters, that hasn’t exactly worked out too well has it? A change in approach could work.
Privately, Hodgson will tell his players that they can beat anyone. He needs his squad to believe in themselves. Publicly though he is very wisely playing things down.
We’ve always wanted to see and England team playing without fear. Could we get just that in Brazil?
2) Wayne Rooney in the form of his life
Every team needs a super star. England’s is without doubt Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United striker is arguably playing the best football of his career and the hope is that this will continue.
Fitter than he has been for a few years, Rooney will be at the peak of his powers in Brazil. Yet to score a World Cup goal this will surely change this time around. He is just too good.
Firing in a cracking strike against Brazil in Brazil earlier this year will have done him the World of good too. Make no mistake, this is a man that still has the World at his feet.
With an extra maturity, Rooney can be England’s leader.
3) Exciting young talent
England are constantly criticised for not producing top young talent. Well, at the moment, this is a wasted argument. The Three Lions have plenty of youngsters to get excited about.
Jack Wilshere can be a World beater for example. You then have Daniel Sturridge in fantastic form and don’t forget he is only 24-years-old. He can shine on the international stage.
Andros Townsend has then taken to playing for England like a duck to water, while Ross Barkley looks set for the very top. He is playing an important role for Everton this season too.
You then have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to come back into the frame, while Ravel Morrison is an exciting talent that Hodgson could take a gamble on.
Having young players without fear can benefit England and going into next summer, they have plenty of faces not used to previous failings. They have players ready to take on the World.
It’s not all doom and gloom, so bring on next summer!
Thomas Rooney is a betting expert at Footballtips.com, a site offering World Cup 2014 odds, tips and news.