#17-England

#17-England
Nickname-The Three Lions
UEFA
FIFA Ranking-#11
Group G (Uruguay, Costa Rica, Italy, England)
Projected Results...
Tie to Uruguay
Loss to Italy
Win to Costa Rica
Manager-Roy Hodgson
Qualified through 1st place in UEFA WC Qualifying Group H
14th World Cup Appearance (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010)

England are a really strong team, but I think they are third best in the group to Italy and Uruguay. Uruguay have Luis Suarez, one of the best players in the world right now if not the best. Italy are always a strong team and will look to seek revenge off of their runner-up finish at UEFA Euro 2012. Italy actually knocked England out of that same tournament, though in penalty kicks.
England had a somewhat difficult time qualifying, but ultimately did so without having to go to a playoff matchup. Roy Hodgson has done a decent job as manager, and I think it's very realistic to pick England to go through to the knockout stages. Uruguay, Italy, and England are all really good teams, and any two of the three could advance and I wouldn't be surprised. It's kind of a toss up. So, here are three key English players.

Andros Townsend-He showed flashed of brilliance with England, and though he has failed to replicate this form with Tottenham in the Premier League, I think he will have a strong tournament. He has blazing speed, and his favored left foot can produce a cannon of a shot. Look out for Townsend in years to come as he is only 22. 5 appearances for England, 1 goal. He'll play out wide.

Daniel Sturridge-This guy is in absolutely torrid form. He and Luis Suarez are the two main reasons why Liverpool is probably going to win the Premier League. He's that type of cocky, arrogant player who you hate to play against, but love to have on your team. I think this striker could take England far in this tournament. 10 appearances, 3 goals, and only 24.

Wayne Rooney-It's amazing, I feel like Rooney has been around forever, but he's only 28. He is going to probably play up front with Sturridge, and they should complement each other well. Rooney can score brilliant goals, but he can also go MIA at times in big spots. I am intrigued to see how he and Sturridge work together. It could be incredible, or the exact opposite because of the clash of egos. 89 appearances, 38 goals.

Let's see what England's got. I have them 3rd in the group, but they have the talent to go very far.