South Africa and Everton star Steven Pienaar dismisses England's chances of World Cup glory

17 March 2010 18:59
South Africa star Steven Pienaar has dismissed England's chances of winning the World Cup in his home country, claiming instead that Argentina will overcome an unconvincing qualification campaign to emerge victorious. [LNB]The Everton midfielder believes other big teams such as Italy and Germany will fancy their chances against Fabio Capello's men during this summer's tournament. [LNB]England qualified for the World Cup with two games to spare and are tipped in some corners as potential winners of the competition for the first time since 1966. [LNB] South-bound: Steven Pienaar (right) is one of South Africa's star players[LNB]And Pienaar, whose South African side are one of the lowest ranked of the 32 teams taking part, does agree 2010 represents the Three Lions' best chance of lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy for many years.[LNB]He said: 'They have a reason to feel confident, definitely, because in the pastthere were egos in their team but they play as a team now, no moreabout individuals.[LNB]'They have got the players and they've got a manager who's finally got them to play as a team.'[LNB]'But we have to wait and see if they can live up to the challenge. We have to do it on the field and not in the newspapers.[LNB]'I'm not a fan of the England team. I think teams can get a result against England.[LNB]He added: 'I have always said Argentina. Spain are also in the mix and you can never rule out Italy and Germany. Italy know how to win tournaments and the Germans have a good team, so they also have a chance to win it.'[LNB]England start their World Cup campaign against the USA in Rustenburg before facing Slovenia and Algeria in their other Group C matches. [LNB]Pienaar's South Africa, meanwhile, take on Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A.[LNB] Monday night is Mexican night as for England Wembley World Cup warm-upMartin Samuel: Don't worry dear, Fabio Capello won't make a drama out of a crisisMATT FORTUNE'S NEW WORLD FOOTBALL BLOGBeckham loss is a 'big blow' to World Cup plans, admits England boss Fabio Beckham joins Capello's casualty list - Sportsmail's guide to the missing menRedknapp: Crouch may be on my bench but he should go to South AfricaEVERTON FC

Source: Daily_Mail