England's impressive World Cup qualifying campaign has once again inflated expectation levels as they head for South Africa.
Here we take a look at their main rivals next summer.
BRAZIL
A team depressingly representative of coach Dunga's style as a player, Brazil are, nevertheless, highly effective. Gone is the flair and flamboyance, replaced with pragmatism and well-drilled set pieces. They are, however, arguably better-placed than ever to win the tournament with a tight defence and enough in the creative department to rival any team on the planet.
SPAIN
Inspired by the footballing ethos of FC Barcelona, Spain captured Europe's imagination en route to Euro 2008 glory with their brand of 'tiki-taka' pass-and-move play. In Fernando Torres and David Villa they boast the best strike partnership in the world - and their midfield department is not bad either with Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Marcos Senna and David Silva vying for places. Vicente del Bosque's side are undoubtedly the purists' favourites.
ITALY
The Azzurri's 2006 World Cup win hangs heavily over their heads. Progression from that unexpected success in Germany has been patchy at best with Marcello Lippi, the brains behind the triumph, back at the helm. The veteran must strike a winning balance between experience - the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta and Mauro Camoranesi remain fixtures - and youth, with Giuseppe Rossi, Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Balotelli among the highly-talented new generation.
GERMANY
Form in qualification campaigns and friendlies is irrelevant where Germany are concerned. 'Die Mannschaft' are always 'there or thereabouts' in the finals and exceeded expectations on home turf in 2006 by not only reaching the last four but doing it with a bit of panache. Topping Group 4 ahead of Russia under Joachim Low is no mean feat but their campaign hardly has fans frothing at the mouth with excitement.
HOLLAND
The Dutch looked to be destined for Euro 2008 glory before being spectacularly derailed by an impressive Russia. Now with Bert van Marwijk in the hotseat rather than Marco van Basten, they eased through qualification after being handed a comfortable draw. Injuries and tantrums permitting, the likes of Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder possess the talent to have a serious crack at it.
ARGENTINA
Two years ago Argentina were arguably the best team in the world. Fast-forward to the present day and the Albicelestes only just scraped through qualifying in the final round of matches. Diego Maradona's talismanic status has so far failed to mask his lack of coaching experience and tactical awareness. His side are talented enough to win it - but are equally capable of bombing out in the group stage.
