Yes people, the wait it over. The 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa is officially under way, and in 10 minutes 11 men will step out onto the pitch at the wonderful Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg with the hopes and dreams of an entire continent behind them.

It is the first World Cup ever to take place on the African Continent. Don’t underestimate the importance this holds for the African people. It is truly a great day in their history and ours. 7 African teams have made it into the tournament, all in separate groups, so they have a strong chance of an African team making it to the quarters or even semi finals.

There is no clear favourite for the competition this year, but there is a strong feeling here in England that this is our year. It is perhaps the best squad we have had since the Lineker era in the 80′s. I do think we have a real chance this year. We have a strong midfield and defence, but perhaps all our eggs lie in one Wayne Rooney shaped basket up front. The two Spurs front two of Crouch and Defoe would really have to step up to match the likes of Eto, Messi and the mighty Torres. With hopes higher than ever before, the boys in white and red will race a tough reception after their flight to the UK if they do not making to at least the Semi Finals.

I think it will be a fight between Spain, Argentina, England and Brazil for the title, it does not look likely that an African Nation can win the world cup. But at the end of the day, they are already winners for finally bringing the World Cup to the Continent. Men of England, it’s time to write the future.