Buzzin Football

Fabio Capello led something of a charmed life at the start of his tenure as England manager. His side qualified from what could have been a testing World Cup qualifying group with ease and the off the field problems which had dogged the national team in the past seemed to have been laid to rest at long last.

However, following recent events Capello must now understand why his job is so often referred to as a poison chalice. Although the John Terry incident was no doubt a test of the manager’s PR and diplomatic skills the injury to Ashley Cole will be the bigger headache as the tournament approaches. Yes, the fact that Cole’s direct replacement is Wayne Bridge complicates matters a little, but the fact England could be missing one of their few truly world class players in South Africa is the real issue.

Oddly though, Capello might be slightly relieved that it is his left-back who been struck down rather than anyone else. Although Bridge isn’t quite as good as Cole, he will at least be able to cut it at the World Cup. Cover for other areas of the squad looks distinctly thin on the ground. Rio Ferdinand and Terry are likely to be the first choice centre back partnership in South Africa, but Ferdinand’s season has been plagued by injury and it’s doubtful the likes of Joleon Lescott would be able to cut it against side like Brazil and Italy.

In midfield England’s problems are underlined by the failure to find a replacement for David Beckham. Shaun Wright-Philips, Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon have no end product and would be easily blunted. The emergence of Aston Villa’s James Milner is one of the few bright spots for Capello.

However, the biggest worry for the England manager will be the fitness of Wayne Rooney. The striker is in the form of his life and is the one truly irreplaceable player Capello has at his disposal. The name Rooney on its own will strike fear into defences, but if he is forced to miss the tournament then a paring of Defoe and Zamora just won’t have the same impact according to Football World Cup Betting experts.

Capello also faces a selection dilemma in goal. On form, Joe Hart would probably be first choice but his lack of international experience will no doubt count against him. But David James, first choice in the qualifying campaign, has struggled with injuries all season and it’s unclear who would replace him.

If Football World Cup betting odds are to back England to win the World Cup they will need their key players fully fit and at the top of their game. Sadly, after a tough Premier League season, it’s highly unlikely Capello will have this luxury.