Well Rio was said he was going to stay in South Africa to support his mates..problem is the squad are thin on defenders as Ledley King is dealing with leg problems as well. How they prepare for the US is going to be interesting. They just beat Austrailia 3-1 in a warm-up with Edson Buddle doubling up. The Americans are going to come in with high confidence knowing England are vulnerable.

And Didier Drogba has undergone surgery on his elbow. Though it's this close, it's said he's likely to miss the opening match against Portugal, but could be available a bit later on so keep your fingers crossed.

I dont think "Drogba" will play in world cup this time, will take a while for recover. Its low chance they will pass the group elimination.

France got humiliation after a friendly match against China. 0:1 stunning cannonball shoot from (i dont know his name)

Possibility England pass group elimination still high, even without Rio, as long as kept they spirit high

"Flying swan attack" need to learn that

Well, Drogba is already a superstar so it's not like he needs this stage to showcase his ability, but if he wants to play in the World Cup this just may be his last chance. Lots of African nations are getting better in football and also take Drogba's age into account. He's 30 now, will he be called up to play at 34 if Cot? d'Ivoire are to qualify for WC2014? This is more his decision, his desire to play on the biggest stage of football. In Asian countries like Korea, representing your country in events like these and winning can get you exempt from mandatory military duty, so this is how serious international representation is taken.

England?s final warm match against the Platinum Stars has revealed that Rooney still has a problem controlling his temper, Ref Jeff Selogilwe accused Rooney of vulgar language and booking Rooney for dissention, it is this type of indiscipline that saw Rooney dismissed from last World Cup in 2006......

Rooney apologised to Selogilwe after the match, but Selogilwe stated: "He is a good player when you see him on the TV but when you see him on the pitch, he just keeps on insulting the referees, to me, it looks like Rooney insults people and fouls other players. If he insults a referee like me then he will use that vulgar language to other referees as well. I was very disappointed in Rooney because he is my favourite player."............

In all fairness to Rooney, passion mixed with an insatiable will to win can be a highly explosive combination......The US Team will take full advantage of Rooney?s temperamental nature, and will capitalise if Rooney is not fully mentally prepared, I think Rooney?s impatience causes the intense frustration that results in these angry outbursts...

No Philipa, I don't think the US have those tactical mindsets. One thing guaranteed from the US is raw athleticism along with their physical play. They have a big squad in terms of player stature so bullying England off the ball will be tried. Do that to Rooney and he'll step on your crotch. Ask Ricardo Carvalho.

And Rooney will always be known to be the bad boy of England. Anger can only be neutralised, not cured forever. He's done well recently, but as the referee said from the match, he looks nice on tv, but different on the pitch. It's Theo!!! All Theo Walcott Philipa lol.

?In order to beat an English side, as good as they are, you need to find as many advantages as you can,ultimately you try to make his (Rooney) day difficult, if you start to make those types of personalities have a difficult day, then maybe those types of things (frustration and anger) come out." ........USA defender J DeMerit...So taking a peek at relevant premier league match experience the US national squad has gained this season in confrontations against Rooney (Man U) ?so the ?Roo? knocked five passed Hull (J Altidore) three passed West Ham (Jonathan Spector), Two passed Fulham (Clint Dempsey), and one a piece passed Wolves (Marcus Hahnemann) and Aston Villa (Brad Guzan)?? these players know Rooney has the temperament of pit bull chewing a wasp, Sir Alex keeps trying to impress on Rooney to count to 10 before spitting feathers, and if Capello?s game plan is to use Rooney as a loan striker up front well this is a huge weight of responsibility on a Guy who could have a argument in a empty room.

I heard that a Scot, Sir Alex Ferguson, had met with USA manager Bob Bradley..Bradley was obviously drooling over Ferguson's crudentials, but that may have been too much for Sir Alex's taste. Rumor has it that Sir Alex shared information in regards to beating England. Probably on how to properly detonate a ticking time bomb...as in Rooney. England may have to field a bomb squad in replacement for a striker, right winger and central defender..as those positions have been least productive(centre defender for Rio's absence, not by his lack of productivity.) If England loses, many English supporters are going to have to keep an eye on Sir Alex.

Analysts are doubting Slovenia!!! I don't see why they are..Very composed they are(beat Russia with a goal in the 87th minute to qualify for the tournament). But that doesn't mean they lack skill. And remember during the qualification period, Slovenia defeated USA 2-1 in a friendly. Sure a friendly, but in a tournament like this, playing a team you know you have beaten recently already gives you confidence.

World Cup Calendar....

http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html

Use your mouse to hover .....

Okay, so I'm definitely confused. I dislike sports, but I once said, "I'm for South Korea". In return, I got, "They aren't in it."

So my question is, if South Korea isn't in the World Cup, then why are they singing songs for it and cheering it on?

South Korea are in the tournament bud. Check the group with Argentina, Nigeria and Greece. We were one of the first countries to qualify alongside Austrailia, Japan, and the Netherlands. If you are in America, South Korea kicks off against Greece at 7:00AM Saturday, ESPN2 will be broadcasting live from South Africa. Argentina and Nigeria immediately afterwards at 9:40AM same channel and USA and England, coverage begins at 1:30PM on CBS.

Oh and let me say this..God save the Queen because America is going to lose!!!~~ America is going to lose!!!~~ America is going to lose!!!~~