Alongside Group B, Group D is considered to be one of the hardest yet unpredictable group in the competition. It consists of Italy, Uruguay, England and Costa Rica. Between them they have a compiled total of seven World Cup titles, a phenomenal statistic for countries blessed with world-class players.

Italy: Italy are a country renowned for their fantastic achievements in football. Their national team and clubs have been dominant on many occasions during the course of football history. Cesare Prandelli’s side have fared well in recent competitions, runners-up to Spain in Euro 2012 and securing third place in the Confederations Cup. Italy eased to progression from the qualifying games with two games to spare securing their place in the World Cup Group Stages.The talent that they are privileged with is blatantly obvious as Prandelli’s side contains the likes of Daniele De Rossi , Gianluigi Buffon and Andreas Pirlo;giants in the football world!

Player to watch: Mario Balloteli is my player to watch, the former Manchester City striker has an impressive record with his national side. Entering the World Cup as Italy’s top scorer in the qualifying stages with five goals. The AC Milan forward played a vital role in ensuring Italy’s place on the Euro 2012 final scoring twice against Germany. Thus far in his roller coaster club career the 23-year-old had scored 88 times in 222 appearances for four clubs respectively. He also boasts an impressive record for his country scoring 12 goals in 29 games. I believe that Mario Balotelli will have a significant role to play in Italy’s aspiration to succeed in Brazil.

Where will Italy finish in Group D?: 1st

England: Under the guidance of Roy Hodgson the hope of a nation rests solely on his judgment. The former Liverpool coach will be dreaming of leading the three lions to their first trophy for a lengthy 16 years. Despite progressing to the WC in the final match, England managed to proceed to the group stages in impressive style (defensively) remaining unbeaten through the duration of the qualifiers conceding only four goals. Hodgson will certainly be hoping that England can replicate the same form at Brazil, and gain confidence on their mission to win their first World Cup since 1966.

Player to watch: Without a shadow of a doubt Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is England’s player to watch. The Red Devil has managed a staggering 232 goals in 517 appearances for both Everton and United respectively. Rooney has a record of 38 goals in 90 appearances for his nation, however he has an alarming track record in the World Cup. The striker has scored zero goals in his last 8 WC games which stretch back to the beginning of the 2006 competition in Germany. That truly is a dreadful statistic however I’m sure Rooney will be determined to greatly improve that record this campaign, and prove to fans and media alike that he’s still worthy to lead England’s front line.

Where will England finish in Group D?: 2nd

Uruguay: Uruguay enter the World Cup as a force to be reckoned with considering the talent that their start-studded squad posses. Oscar Tabarez has one of the best attacking partnership in the whole competition in the form of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and PSG’s Edinson Cavani. The pair would be welcomed into any team in football however, Tabarez must concentrate his focus mainly on his defence. Despite the presence of the experienced Diego Godin and captain Diego Lugano Uruguay have an appalling defensive record conceding 25 goals during the qualifiers, with 16 of those goals coming away from home. Ultimately I believe that it is this weakness in the side that will lead them to failure in Group D.

Player to watch: After such an marvellous season it is clear who Uruguay’s player to watch will be, that’s if he’s fit of course. Luis Suarez has had a brilliant season, being named the Football Association player of the year and he also won the Barclays Premier League player of the season award. The Liverpool forward scored an amazing total of 31 goals earning him the BPL golden boot award. So far in his club career Suarez has scored 220 times, he also boasts the fact that he is Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer with 38 goals. If he is fit I’m sure that Suarez will play a crucial role in his country’s ambition to progress from Group D.

Where will Uruguay finish in Group D? 3rd

Costa Rica: Costa Rica are extremely unfortunate to be drawn into a group with countries that posses an unbelievable total of extravagant players. Costa Rica progressed rather comfortable to the Group Stages finishing in a respectable second place in the qualifying stage. However many expect that Costa Rica do not posses the quality to overcome such opponents as Italy, England and Uruguay. And their hopes have been dealt a humongous blow with the absence of Everton full-back Bryan Oviedo and first-choice forward Alvaro Saborio.

Player to watch: Jorge Luis Pinto will be looking for experience to guide his side through the series of daunting fixtures and this is offers through the presence of the Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz. Ruiz has netted 74 times in 201 club appearances, the 28-year-old has also scored on 12 occasions for Costa Rica in 63 appearances. With a move away from Craven Cottage looking increasingly likely Ruiz will be aspiring to shine this World Cup in order to attract interest from top clubs all over the world.

Where will Costa Rica finish in Group D?: 4th

@thatfootyblog

@carbislli