BADEN-BADEN, 15 June 2006 — England will progress from Group B with a game to spare if they beat Trinidad and Tobago today and could even be sure of topping the group if Sweden draw with Paraguay in the other game.
If they do top their group they could well face Ecuador in the first knockout round. The South American’s impressive win over Poland has left them favorites to qualify with Germany from Group A. They could also be through if they beat Costa Rica today.
England look set not to risk Wayne Rooney against the Soca Warriors but Sven-Goran Eriksson may give 17-year-old Theo Walcott his first taste of World Cup action as a second half substitute if England are looking comfortable.
England failed to impress against Paraguay in their opening match and needed an own goal from Carlos Gamarra to seal a 1-0 win.
In contrast Trinidad and Tobago caused the shock of the tournament to date by holding Sweden to a goalless draw and their coach Leo Beenhakker has branded England a dead-ball side who only threaten from set-pieces.
Michael Owen will start up front despite his poor performance against the South Americans, when he was hauled off after just 55 minutes.
England captain David Beckham remains convinced that Owen can add to the 35 goals he has netted for his country in 75 appearances, starting with Trinidad and Tobago.
“He was good, especially in the first half,” said the Real Madrid midfielder. “Michael will come good. He always does.” Trinidad & Tobago, the smallest nation in the finals with a population of just 1.1 million, will be without Avery John, suspended after being sent off against Sweden. Beckham’s old Manchester United team-mate Dwight Yorke will be the first name on Beenhakker’s team- sheet.
The side that 10-man Trinidad and Tobago embarrassed in their opening game, Sweden face Paraguay with both sides embroiled in off- the pitch controversy. The Paraguayans have been fighting FIFA and the Swedes have been fighting each other.
FIFA spokesperson Markus Siegler said: “Paraguay are obliged to let international journalists access training sessions,” after they banned the Swedish press.
The ban came after Swedish daily paper Dagens Nyheter published a story accusing midfielder Roberto Acuna of making improper advances toward a Swedish photographer.
Sweden, meanwhile, have been struggling to present a united front after a mole in their camp revealed that team-mates Fredrik Ljungberg and Olof Mellberg were involved in a dressing-room dispute after Saturday’s draw against Trinidad & Tobago.
A spokesman for the team admitted there was a “short but hot” altercation. Ljungberg, who was caught on camera fighting with Mellberg on the training pitch during the last World Cup, explained: “We want to go far in this tournament — that’s why we discussed it and hopefully we’ll play better against Paraguay.” In a bid to defuse tension ahead of the match against Paraguay, captain Mellberg apologized to the squad for his behavior after the disappointing opener.
Mellberg was quoted in Swedish media as saying he was “ashamed” he raised personal matters which had nothing to do with match.
In contrast to the poor starts made by Sweden and Paraguay, Group A side Ecuador got off to a flier beating Poland in their first match 2-0.
Scorer of their second goal Agustin Delgado has stressed the importance of not getting to carried away by the victory.
We can celebrate a victory but we must concentrate also on the next match against Costa Rica,” he said.
