OVER the next month, Watford FC will be giving their unique take on the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, with a regular blog in the lead-up to and through the competition.
We will have regular Watford contributors, who will give their opinions on England's games and we will break down the groups and update fans with squad news from the Rainbow Nation.
Thursday 3 June (8 days to go until kick off!)
Goalkeeper and former Hornet David James keeps the number one jersey for England, as the team land in South Africa without their WAGS in tow this time around.
James heads up the squad numbers and if 1-11 are picked for England's first game with the USA next Saturday, it will be a strong XI for the encounter with an attacking partnership of Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney. The full squad numbers are as follows:
1 David James
2 Glen Johnson
3 Ashley Cole
4 Steven Gerrard
5 Rio Ferdinand
6 John Terry
7 Aaron Lennon
8 Frank Lampard
9 Peter Crouch
10 Wayne Rooney
11 Joe Cole
12 Robert Green
13 Stephen Warnock
14 Gareth Barry
15 Matthew Upson
16 James Milner
17 Shaun Wright-Phillips
18 Jamie Carragher
19 Jermain Defoe
20 Ledley King
21 Emile Heskey
22 Michael Carrick
23 Joe Hart
Yesterday (Wednesday) Three Lions manager Fabio Capello agreed to stay with the team until 2012, dispelling rumours that he would leave for Inter Milan after the competition this summer.
Brilliant news which has been well received by all in the football world, well apart from Inter.
Capello has brought stability, discipline and a real sense of pride to the team - something everyone hopes will show in their World Cup campaign, starting next Saturday.
FOCUS ON: GROUP A
France, South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay
HOST nation South Africa will have a hard job ahead of them as they face Mexico's young and ambitious squad and France, a nation with something to prove after that handball against Ireland which put them through.
Not to mention Uruguay who can be very dangerous on the offensive.
South Africa
South Africa kick off the competition against Mexico in Johannesburg on Friday 11 June, after what looks to be a very colourful and lively opening ceremony.
The biggest pressure in Group A will no doubt be on the hosts who will not want to become the first to fail to get beyond the group stages and as Africa's first World Cup host, most fans would be happy to see Carlos Alberto's side just get through to the knockout rounds.
But they are the lowest ranked hosts in World Cup history and will face very tough opposition from their fellow group members.
Everton man Steven Pienaar will be the player to watch for the home side. A versatile winger who can play on either side will feel the weight of the nation on his shoulders.
Pienaar is marked as the country's main source of creativity and won the South Africa player of the Year award in 2009.
France
France will need more than Thierry Henry's lucky hand to make an impact in South Africa. A typical underachieving side with an unpopular manager in Raymond Domenech, Les Bleus will have an uphill struggle.
But boasting players with such class as Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka the bad press stories and rumours behind them, with a show of dedication to the game this summer.
Domenech has decided not to replace midfielder Lassana Diarra, who was ruled out of the tournament on Saturday after suffering a stomach injury and defender William Gallas was yesterday passed fit to play despite fears over his fitness.
Mexico
The so-called 'golden generation' of Mexico is upon us and with that comes enormous expectations.
The talented feet of Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela as well as golden boy Javier Hernandez should help the Mexicans on their way.
Hernandez is Manchester United's new signing and has already been given the big responsibility of being Mexico's potential best striker since Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez.
Hernandez is a defender' nightmare in the box, hitting four goals in his first four appearances but has struggled in recent performances.
If the youngsters can step up and be led by the experience of Rafael Marquez, Carlos Salcido and Gerardo Torrado, El-Tri could do well in the group stages.
Uruguay
A club with a famous history is always one to watch out for and this year could be the year as Uruguay makes a gesture to their famous former generations.
While lifting the trophy again, as in 1930 and 1950, may seem a little too ambitious, Le Celeste do have the team to cause a stir in Group A.
Youth mixed with the traditional never-say-die attitude could prove hard to beat, with youngsters and Ajax teammates Nicolas Lodeiro and Luis Suarez will be wanting to make a difference on the pitch.
You should also keep an eye on former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan who provides the experience in the side.
