2010 FIFA World Cup: Gareth Barry Is England's Key To Winning the Title

The reason that England manager Fabio Capello decided to hand an injured Gareth Barry a ticket to South Africa 2010, may be deeper than the obvious.

Although the Manchester City midfielder is recovering gradually, he will miss England’s opening group stage game against the United States on Saturday 12 June in Rustenburg.

Capello's decision to take an injured player, who will only be fit to play from England’s 2nd group stage game onwards, is surely an indication of the importance the Italian places on Gareth Barry, and the role he will play in the team.

For more news visit:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/400212-gareth-barry-englands-key-to-winning-the-2010-world-cup

England arrives for the FIFA World Cup

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa (OC) would like to welcome the national team of England, who arrived in the country this morning (3rd June) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s a great privilege to be able to welcome England to our shores. England are one of the teams with a great FIFA World Cup tradition, with fanatical support wherever they play and at the World Cup in particular. Tickets for England matches have proved to be very popular and the Three Lions’ participation in the tournament is sure to add a great deal to the character of the event,” said Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan.

“I am very pleased to be here and my team is happy to finally be in South Africa. I hope this World Cup in South Africa is good for this country and of course for England. We now have to concentrate on the tournament and prepare well for the event,” said England coach, Mr. Fabio Capello, on his arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport this morning.

England will open their 2010 World Cup campaign at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium against the United States on 12th June, before making the trip to Cape Town to face Algeria on 18 June and their final Group Match will be against Slovenia in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth on 23 June.

Bafana cut Benni McCarthy, name final 23

South Africa's all-time leading scorer Benni McCarthy has been left out of their squad for the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The West Ham United striker, 32, has struggled for fitness in recent months and has been criticized for being overweight.

Benni McCarthy was one of 5 players cut from a 28-man training squad, with goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez, defenders Bryce Moon and Innocent Mdledle, and midfielder Franklin Cale also omitted.

Bafana Bafana will play against France, Uruguay and Mexico in Group A.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Shu-Aib Walters

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Matthew Booth, Lucas Thwala, Aaron Mokoena, Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Sangweni, Tsepo Masilela, Anele Ngcongca, Lucas Thwala

Midfielders: Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thanduyise Khuboni, Kagisho Dikgaco, Macbeth Sibaya, Surprise Moriri

Forwards: Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nomvete.