Scholes: England can win it

Paul Scholes is backing England to triumph at the World Cup - providing they can avoid any further injury setbacks. The Three Lions squad has suffered with fitness problems in the lead-up to South Africa, with captain Rio Ferdinand ruled out and midfielder Gareth Barry set to miss Saturday's opener against the United States. Veteran Manchester United midfielder Scholes admitted earlier this week he almost accepted a request to return to the England set-up this summer after retiring from international football in 2004. The 35-year-old ended up turning down boss Fabio Capello's offer, but believes the Three Lions have a good chance of raising the trophy if the squad can keep their fitness. "They can win it if things go their way," Scholes told the Oldham Chronicle. "For a start, they need to keep everyone fit. "The squad is full of very good players but to go over there and actually win the World Cup, it helps if you've got everyone in good shape. "They haven't had much luck in the build-up to the first game. Hopefully, there won't be any more knocks. "It will be quite an open World Cup. There are a number of teams who can go all the way - and England are one of them. "There's no shortage of talent in the team."