England will need to be at their best to get out of tricky Group D.
ENGLAND
Head coach Roy Hodgson. Never played for his only professional club, Crystal Palace, and qualified as a coach at 23 while playing non-league. Managed in Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, UAE and Norway, as well as taking Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup. Picked over Harry Redknapp as safe pair of hands after Fabio Capello’s departure before Euro 2012.
An avid bibliophile and the possessor of an impressive watch collection, the latest of which has been designed for him and bears his name.
How they qualified Unbeaten and won the group by a point from Ukraine, finishing strongly after clocking up too many draws for comfort. Scored 31 goals and conceded just four all of which looks more impressive on paper than it actually was.
Most valuable player Steven Gerrard. The skipper has had an amazing season with Liverpool and will be required to go to the well a few more times if England are to fly home with pride intact.
He’ll have to park his disappointment at missing the title but Gerrard is mentally strong. His new position as a sitting midfielder is crucial at international level and, whatever system Hodgson employs, the 34-year-old will be at the heart of it.
He could break David Beckham’s outfield player record of 115 caps if England reach the quarters of what will be his final World Cup.
Prospects Greg Dyke famously made that throat-cutting gesture when the draw was made and expectations were rock bottom.
However, the emergence of some bright young players over the second half of the season has raised hopes. They’d still do well to get out of the group but the round of 16 looks surmountable if they do.
So it’s looking like the quarter-finals again and the usual defeat on penalties!
ITALY
Head coach Cesare Prandelli. Took team to final of Euro 2012 and restored pride after the infamous match-fixing scandal.
How they qualified Comfortably won a dangerous group.
Most valuable player Andrea Pirlo. Stop Pirlo and you stop Italy. The trouble is, you need to get near him to do that, and that is easier said than done. Is 35 now and in theory should be long past his best, but he still runs matches for Juventus and Italy.
Prospects Problems up front, but aiming for the quarters.
URUGUAY
Head coach Oscar Tabarez. Eight years into spell as coach, with highlight coming when winning last Copa America title.
How they qualified Needed play-off, with Jordan no challenge.
Most valuable player Luis Suarez. Going into the World Cup under an injury cloud after damaging a knee in training but, if he’s anything like fully fit, he has the potential to make this tournament his own.
Prospects Great attacking but dodgy at the back. Conditions will work in their favour.
COSTA RICA
Head coach Jorge Luis Pinto. Made a much better fist of his second spell in charge than his first.
How they qualified Impressively helping send Mexico into the intercontinental play-off.
Most valuable player Joel Campbell. Yet to appear for Arsenal, but impressive loan at Olympiakos included a superb goal in shock 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Champions League.
Prospects Unlikely to qualify from the group, but not to be written off as cannon fodder for the big three.
Report by John Barrett and Adam Lanigan
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