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This is surely England's year, isn't it? However, it looks like the English media are relatively realistic about the Three Lions' hopes this summer.
Indeed, some are wondering whether England can even get out of a group featuring Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.
Amid the pessimism, manager Roy Hodgson has named what appears to be a fresh and more vibrant team than usual.
With their older "golden generation" mostly consigned to the scrap heap with the exceptions of captain Steven Gerrard and midfielder Frank Lampard, exciting youngsters like Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw and Jack Wilshere have been given an opportunity to shine on the world's biggest stage.
And of course there is Wayne Rooney who could arrive at a World Cup fitter than his previous two attempts.
On Team 33 episode we put the microscope on England with author and football writer Iain MacIntosh. Listen in below:
Latest news and features
Miguel Delaney on why a lack of passion is not the excuse for England
Rooney publicly apologises to England fans for early exit
Costa Rica shock Italy and knock out England in one fell swoop
Suarez puts England to the sword
VIDEO: Joe Hart completely lost the head with a ballboy
STATS: Rooney left in the lurch?
Nicky Butt on England's chances at the World Cup
Iain MacIntosh's special Team 33 England World Cup preview
Can England get out of the Group of Death?
Hodgson picks relatively youthful England World Cup squad
Could England be driven by the Liverpool core at the World Cup?
Andros Townsend out of the World Cup
World Cup Record
Appearances: 14
Best Result: Winners (1966)
Squad
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (England), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).
Roy Hodgson
Fixtures and Results
Group D
June 14 vs Italy (Manaus) 2 - 1 (L)
June 19 vs Uruguay (Sao Paulo) 2 - 1 (L)
June 24 vs Costa Rica (Belo Horizonte) 0 - 0 (D)
