Been here before haven’t we? Hope and optimism are cruel, but maybe, just maybe this could be England’s year. Or it might not. Tomas Mowlam keeps his fingers crossed.

England are in Group C with Algeria, Slovenia and the USA. The first match comes against the USA on 12th June in Rustenburg, at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, with kick off at 19:30 our time.

All eyes will be on Rooney and Lampard to make this England’s year. The American’s are the major competition; in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup they beat Spain in the semis and led Brazil 2-0, before being beaten 3-2. No longer the odd ones out it seems.

Next the England team will have to slog south to Cape Town to take on Algeria on 18th June at the JEP stadium in Johannesburg, with kick off at 15:00 our time.

Finally we’re playing Slovenia on 23rd June at Port Elizabeth with kick off again at 15:00 our time.

If you’re in London and fancy watching a few gutted American fans weep over their defeat then check out the Sports Bar in Piccadily. Otherwise we’ll be impressed if you can find a pub that’s not playing the games.

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