If you don't even want to discuss the subject matter I'd say stay out of the thread. Having said that. The world cup is not all about England but since you are all speaking about their chances, I'll add this. I agree that on paper this looks like the strongest team England have had in years but the loss of Rooney is a big blow. Lets have a look at the team and what I'd do if I were Sven. Well Robinson gets the nod. Gary Neville at right back. I'd pair Terry and Campbell in the centre of the defence. Ferdinand (even though I am a dyed in the wool united fan) is suspect. At left back I'd play Cole if he is fit. Failing that Carragher. Hell I'd play Carragher in the holding role in front of the defense in which case Bridge would come in at left back.

Where I think England is weak and I know this will be controversial but remember I'm Sven here. The centre of midfield has got to be a worry. Lampard and Gerard and even Carrick play far too advanced for me. Now Lampard gets the start no question but I wouldn't pair him with Gerrard in centre. I'd much prefer a good holding player like Reo-coker. I've seen England caught out too often with Gerrard and Lampard too far advanced and the opposition strolls through the middle. Beckham has been doing well much to my surprise for Real so I'm not sure wheather he would start there or Gerrard on the right side of mid-field. On the left I'd go with Joe Cole. I'm going 4-4-2 cause England can't play any other system.

Up front without Rooney who knows? But I will go with Owen and the boy Walcott. the latter would give me the option of having him drop deep much like Rooney does and use his pace. Owen tends to rely on the ball over the top and I want to see some football played, with Lampard being the playmaker.

Having said that, I pick Brazil to win. I've never seen them stronger and they've already hammered Argentina, and beat Germany in the Confederations Cup. My dark horse is Mexico or Serbia-Montenegro or whoever makes it out of Group C.