Dropping Like Flies...And It Hasn't Even Started Yet

Well, the first match of the 2010 World Cup Finals is just under a week away, but already key players are dropping like flies.

Just to keep you all updated: Rio Ferdinand suffered an injury in a collision with Emile Heskey that will mean he misses the World Cup.

Nigeria's Jon Obi Mikel also misses out as his knee injury hasn't cleared up sufficiently for him to play any part.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba fractured his elbow in a friendly against Japan and is currently rated doubtful by manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

Italy's Andrea Pirlo suffered a calf strain and will definitely miss their opening match.

Also injured are USA striker Jozy Altidore, who has an ankle injury and Brazil 'keeper Julio Cesar who has back problems.

We haven't even played a match yet. God only knows what the injury list will look like then!

Looks Like King Could Be In

I'll start with a disclaimer. I'm a Tottenham fan and, therefore, have long since known what is becoming apparent to the rest of you. And that is: Ledley King is the best defender in England. Or rather, he should have been, but his chronic knee problems have reduced him to maybe 2nd best defender in England.

That's why the report in The Times newspaper suggesting that King will be included in Fabio Capello's provisional 30 man squad for the World Cup 2010.

I know all the arguments about not taking a persistently injured player to the World Cup and, on one level I agree with them, but frankly, I don't care. A defender of such quality shouldn't be left at home. Even if he only plays one match for England it will be worth it.

And, incidentally, he's played more matches this season than Rio Ferdinand.

England Self-Destruct Early Doors

Traditionally, it was the job of the Netherlands to self-destruct at major tournaments as egos, bickering and weak management got in the way of the actual football. Although, to be fair, Spain have been pretty good at this kind of thing too.

So, it's nice to see that the 'home of football' - England - are taking this one step further ahead of the 2010 World Cup Final. England have chosen to self-destruct even before the tournament has kicked off.

With Wayne Bridge declaring himself unavailable for selection, Rio Ferdinand's back injury, John Terry's inability to a) pay attention and b) keep it in his pants plus the lack of consistent form from Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard; not to mention injuries to Glen Johnson, Aaron Lennon and others, who else other than me is extremely tempted by the very generous odds of 8/1 at 888 Sport for England not to qualify from their World Cup Group.