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England go into yet another World Cup campaign with high expectations of securing only their second major tournament victory by lifting the trophy this summer. All matches involving England Live at 2010 World Cup are available this summer on Live Sport Network. Sign up now

England have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition and have never failed to qualify out of their group in their last nine World Cup campaigns. England’s first appearance in the World Cup was back in 1950 where they failed to qualify out of their group.

England made it to the quarter final appearances twice in the next three World Cups and then lifted the trophy for the only time in 1966. It was followed by another quarter final appearance but England failed to qualify to the competition in the next two occasions.

The Three Lions’ best performance in the competition in recent years came in 1990 when they progressed to the semi finals where they lost out to Germany on penalties. It proved to be a stumbling block for England who bowed out of both 1998 and 2006 World Cups on penalties while a fluke Ronaldinho goal saw them get eliminated in quarter finals in 2002.

Road to 2010 World Cup

Having failed to qualify to the Euro 2008, England started their qualifying campaign on a strong note, winning their first eight games to become one of the first nations to book a place in the World Cup.

England were the leading goal scorers during the qualification campaign, scoring a massive 34 goals and conceding just six in the process. Wayne Rooney was the top scorer with nine goals while Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch bagged four goals apiece.

Rooney will be the key man for England’s hopes of winning the trophy with the 24-year old having an excellent season for both club and country. Rooney scored 34 goals for United this season apart from nine for England during the qualification campaign.

Frank Lampard played a key role in helping Chelsea win the double and the 31-year old is expected to feature heavily in England’s expected success in the competition. In John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, England have two of the best central defenders in the world.

However both the players have suffered a dip in fitness and form this season which could force Fabio Capello to opt for either Ledley King or Michael Dawson who have had an excellent season with Tottenham Hotspur.

England will be missing the services of David Beckham who is out injured while there are fitness concerns over Gareth Barry who has become a mainstay in the English midfield under Capello.

The Manchester City midfielder is suffering from a foot injury and is not expected to regain fitness ahead of the World Cup though Capello has not given up hope.

However the goalkeeper position is up for grabs with Capello expected to give Joe Hart a chance in the two friendlies before the competition while David James and Robert Green have also been picked up.

Adam Johnson could be a shock inclusion in the squad with the left winger impressing since moving to Manchester City in January.

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