That's it in a nutshell really Les. Rooney is definitely out for all of it and Michael Owen is unlikely to finish three games - let alone a passing movement. That means nobody is causing the defences to fumble attacks, in the way, which provides ammunition for our midfielders. The fact that all our midfielders can shoot is likely to prove ineffective, given that our reserve forwards are nowhere near good enough to force mistakes at this level. Expect England, who have never beaten Sweden in a competitive match, to score no more than five goals maximum and be on the plane home in the second week.
Germany will play considerably better in front of their own fans, if they can get up a head of steam after their second or third game. They don't have many truly great players, but they are usually determined - and lucky - once tournaments have started. Given warm weather and dry pitches, either the Brazilians or the Argentines ought to walk it. However, if the pitches are wet and cold, they may have to start running - and then several teams will be in with a chance.