I don’t know Leigh if England is the most pressurized media – it certainly is nuts and among the most rabid but I reckon Brazil and Italy are very, very close.

I like England’s chances this time around. I worry about the lack of depth up front but Rooney is arguably the best there is so that’s in their favor. Defense and goaltending is solid as you said. It’s the middle that needs to work like an orchestra. That’s a question mark. We know what we’ll get in the striker and defense positions. It’s less clear in the middle despite the talent. I would, personally, go with Gerrard.

Rather than I, a mere colonial from Canada comment on it, I hope someone would chime in on it.

Yes, I did read it. A fun read!

At all the Wales-Scotland, Wales-Ireland matches I have attended the chant of choice for all parties has been “We hate England more than you.”

Absolutely though, England/Germany is divine no matter how you view it. I too think it is the fiercest of all soccer rivalries in Europe.

The longest standing one of course is Scotland/England.

England v Germany. Due to military history between the two nations, the 1966 final and the goal that never should have been in England’s 4-2 win over West Germany, the 1990 semi final victory on penalties for Germany, the Euro 96 semi finals for the same reason. This is perhaps one of if not the the fiercest rivalry in Europe. For proof see Euro 2000 riots in Belgium.

England v France is also more anticipated then any match against Italy for their not-so-friendly history as well.

Then you have France/Portugal meeting any of their former African colonies. France v Algeria particularly so after the French treatment of Algerian troops who were fighting for them during WW2.

England vs USA or Ausralia also has some interesting connotations too due to historical links and perceived arrogance of each other.