I don't think there are going to be a lot of thrashings in the tournament quarcoo. The US are currently rated above England, I believe and they are on their way to joining the ranks of the top teams. I don't think anyone is going to get an easy game against the African teams either. There do not seem to be any real minnows any more. Japan got a draw against Germany last week after leading them by two nil. Australia drew against a powerful Netherlands team yesterday.
I will be very glad if England can win games by a one goal margin. The thing that makes football so exciting, is that even if you totally outplay the opposition, you still need a bit of luck for the goals to actually go in.
I reckon at least one African team will make the quarter finals - and any side - even England or Holland - could be proud of getting that far. I also do not believe that any team will reach the final without winning a tie on penalties. That does not bode well for England... How good are Ghana at penalties?