Group C
Could this be England’s year? After dominating their qualifying group – nine wins in 10, 34 goals for and only six against – England are definitely one of the favourites.
The team can seem prone to extraordinary pressures and off-field issues, but really should top Group C without much difficulty. The keen competition should come from the USA, though Slovenia’s team of not-very-well-knowns could be the dark horses and Algeria has a decent record in big games.
Algeria
FIFA ranking: 30
Head coach: Rabah Saâdane (since 2007 – also 1981-82, 1985-86, 1999 and 2003-04)
Big issue: Shortage of experienced players – half the squad play in the domestic league, but Saâdane has been trawling Europe quite successfully for more players of Algerian descent.
One to watch: Mourad Meghni (midfield, Lazio)
We predict: Group stage exit
Chances: 500/1
Match schedule (group stage)
| Date | Time | City | Versus |
| Sun 13 Jun | 15:30 | Polokwane |  Slovenia |
| Fri 18 Jun | 22:30 | Cape Town |  England |
| Wed 23 Jun | 18:00 | Tshwane / Pretoria |  USA |
England
FIFA ranking: 8
Head coach: Fabio Capello (since November 2008)
Big issue: Capello has managed to instil some teamwork into his much-fêted charges, and the spine of the team looked settled ... until Ferdinand tore knee ligaments. The team’s now on its third-choice captain. Who’s in goal? Can Lampard play with Gerrard? What happens if Rooney hits injury problems?
One to watch: Wayne Rooney (forward, Manchester United)
We predict: Third
Chances: 7/1
Match schedule (group stage)
| Date | Time | City | Versus |
| Sat 12 Jun | 22:30 | Rustenburg | USA |
| Fri 18 Jun | 22:30 | Cape Town |  Algeria |
| Wed 23 Jun | 18:00 | Port Elizabeth | Slovenia |
Slovenia
FIFA ranking: 25
Head coach: Matjaz Kek (since January 2007) Big issue: Slovenia is one of Europe’s smallest and newest countries, and is (impressively) in their second World Cup finals with a largely star-free team. Dark Horse potential is high, though.
One to watch: Rene Krhin (midfield, Inter Milan)
We predict: Second round
Chances: 400/1
Match schedule (group stage)
| Date | Time | City | Versus |
| Sun 13 Jun | 15:30 | Polokwane | Algeria |
| Fri 18 Jun | 18:00 | Johannesburg | USA |
| Wed 23 Jun | 18:00 | Port Elizabeth | England |
USA
FIFA ranking: 14
Head coach: Bob Bradley (since December 2006)
Big issue: Sometime soon the USA must start fulfilling the potential that a country of 360 million people offers. Attack looks good, but they leak way too many goals.
One to watch: Clint Dempsey (forward, Fulham)
We predict: Group stage exit
Chances: 80/1
Match schedule (group stage)
| Date | Time | City | Versus |
| Sat 12 Jun | 22:30 | Rustenburg | England |
| Fri 18 Jun | 18:00 | Johannesburg | Slovenia |
| Wed 23 Jun | 18:00 | Tshwane / Pretoria | Algeria |
