As the countdown to South Africa begins in earnest, pundits are already speculating as to who will be crowned 2010 World Cup winners, taking over from Italy as the World Champions. As always, England are touted as being among the favourites to win the trophy, but there are many strong contenders in what promises to be a fantastic tournament. Today, we run down some of the main contenders.


Italy

The defending champions will certainly be considered genuine contenders to win the World Cup, having overcome the odds in 2006 to win the tournament for the fourth time. However, the Azzurri are not the force they once were – despite retaining the bulk of their 2006 winning squad, the majority of their star names such as Del Piero, Pirlo, Gattuso, Zambrotta are the wrong side of 30 and no longer at their peak. Young stars such as Sebastian Giovinco have shown potential, but nobody has yet filled the boots of the influential Francesco Totti, who retired from international football after the triumph in Germany.


Spain

The Euro 2008 winners continue to look strong, strolling through their group. Their squad oozes quality with stars like Torres, Villa, Silva, Fabregas, Alonso, Ramos, Puyol, Iniesta and the Euro 2008 player of the tournament Xavi Hernandez. After years of underachieving, the Spanish squad now looks the part and they would be my tip to win the tournament. The soccer / football betting fans agree, pricing Spain as the current favourites to be crowned 2010 champions.


Brazil

In qualifying, they have looked distinctly average and it’s fair to say the stars of previous World Cup triumphs such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos haven’t been replaced by the new breed. However, Brazil still possess Kaka and the exciting prospect of Alexandre Pato so no matter what their pre-tournament form is, they still carry the fear factor and other nations will be hoping to avoid them.


England

Whisper it, but England are genuine contenders for the 2010 World Cup. Under Fabio Capello, England look organized and dangerous. The players seem to know their roles within the team, Wayne Rooney is enjoying his best international form since Euro 2004 and in Theo Walcott, they possess one of the most exciting talents in world football. It will be tough, but if they can somehow avoid the dreaded penalty shootout then they will certainly be among the contenders.


Argentina

Like Brazil, they have been unconvincing in the qualifying campaign but a quick look through their squad which possesses ability like Kun Aguero, Carlos Tevez and of course the worlds best player Lionel Messi tells you that Argentina do have the capability to win the World Cup. Their defensive frailties remain though and there will be doubts over the tactics of rookie coach Diego Maradona, as well as his temperament with playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme already refusing to play for the national team while the legendary midfielder is in charge.


Germany

Never, ever write off the Germans. Pundits may tell you that German football is in decline but a quick look back at recent years which includes a semi-final appearance in 2006 and a final appearance in 2002, as well as reaching the final of Euro 2008 tells you otherwise. Germany have breezed through the qualifying campaign and led by Chelsea star Michael Ballack will be a major threat in South Africa.


Summary

The World Cup is getting closer and I for one cannot wait. It promises to be a fantastic tournament, with many contenders for the trophy. It is the largest event in UK for sports betting and each tournament breaks the previous record for amounts wagered.