1. We’re going to see a very sweaty, very red Wayne Rooney
England’s worst climate fears have been realised: England v Italy will be played in Manaus in the Amazon rainforest in ridiculous levels of humidity. We might see a more slender Wayne Rooney than ever before.
2. There’ll be no brollies in the rainforest
Roy Hodgson knows that, even if you’re heading to a rainforest, as England manager you cannot afford to take anything to shelter from the downpours.
3. Group G has more Boateng than a sailing club.
Brothers Kevin Prince, of Ghana, and Jerome, of Germany, will go head-to-head once again in a Group G.
4. Jurgen Klinsmann vs Germany will be tasty
We thought Sven vs Sweden was a conflict of interests, but that is going to pale into insignificance compares to Jurgen Klinsmann leading his USA team against Germany.
5. Howard Webb is probably keeping a low profile
England’s best known ref would no doubt be happy to give the group stage rematch of the last World Cup final between Spain and Netherlands. If it’s anything like the last encounter, both sides can expect to be carrying some knocks if they make it to the knockout stages.
6. E is for easy
Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras make us Group E. Les Bleus will reflect that making heavy work of qualification hasn’t put them at too much of a disadvantage for the tournament itself. Arguably the weakest seed, arguably the weakest team in the competition plus Ecuador. Can’t ask for much better than that.
7. Group C is going to be the biggest getting up challenge
Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan: the snooze button will never have felt quite so tempting as when Group C matches are being played.
8. The hosts have to be happy
Let’s be honest, Brazil were probably not going to be scared of anyone, but Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon look like easy fodder for the hosts.
9. The Brazil vs Spain final is on
Assuming neither of them make a mess of the group stage – and it’s hard to imagine they will – Brazil and Spain will be kept apart until the final. Arguably the two best teams, the hosts vs the holders: it could be quite a final. This would be the perfect climax to the World Cup Brazil puts on for us.
10. Pot X was as devious as we all thought
We thought it sounded fishy, FIFA assured us we were being paranoid, we trusted pot X and then… WHAM! All of a sudden England are in a group with Italy and Uruguay.
