In 41 days the world cup starts and in 42 days we have to tear up our special relationship with Uncle Sam and finally take revenge for the defeat they inflicted upon us 60 years ago in Brazil when a man called Joe Gaetjens scored the goal that defeated an England team full of later days starts such as Alf Ramsey, Billy Wright and Tom Finney.

Now the USA are a good team, last year in the confederation cup they beat a full strength Spain 2-0 and gave Brazil a good game too. A fit, full strength England should be able to put them to the sword, but just how fit is the potential squad? Rio Ferdinand has hardly played for United this year and every time he makes a comeback he gets injured again. Cover for John Terry’s partner in the heart of defence is also falling like the blossom in my garden as injury has struck Joleyn Lescott and Ledley King. Is it time for Matthew Upson or Michael Dawson to step up? West Ham’s Upson has played well in a poor team this year, so he has had plenty of practice. Dawson has had a good season but can he handle the pressures of a world cup we are expected to do well in?

Ashley Cole is on the comeback trail but Chelsea have kept him on the bench - will he be matchfit? With Wayne Bridge still smarting from his fall out with John Terry that leaves the unexpierienced Stephen Warnock or Leighton baines at left back.

In midfield, Gareth Barry has picked up a knock, Joe Cole is struggling for form and Owen hargreaves has not kicked a ball in anger for over 2000 years.

But worst of all what is going on with Wayne Rooney, how bad is that groin injury? We always seem to loose a talisman before a big tournament, remember Beckham in 2002 and in 2006 both Rooney and Owen suffered metatarsal problems in the run up to the finals. Am I paranoid or is history threatening to repeat itself?