FIFA Ranking:10 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: England have qualified for 13 editions of the FIFA World Cup so far. Their lone success came in 1966 at home when they beat Germany in the finals. Since then, they have faced a series of early exits and many of them in penalty shoot-outs in the knock-out stages. The 2010 World Cup saw the `Three Lions` succumb to Germany 4-1 and get ousted in the Round of 16.
Qualifying report: England finished toppers in Group H scoring an emphatic 27 goals and conceding just four. Though they had to wait until the final match day to win against Poland and secure a spot for Brazil 2014. England drew twice against rivals Ukraine as well as once against Poland.
Star Players: Wayne Rooney (scored six goals in the qualification round) plays for Manchester United (England) at the club level. One of the best center forwards in the game, Rooney is vying to be the top scorer for both club and country. The record is held by Sir Bobby Charlton for United and England. Rooney scored six goals in the qualifiers playing as a genuine No. 10. His ability to eke out passes, score goals from open play and free kicks is a big plus for Roy Hodgson`s side.
Daniel Sturridge is another player who has risen above all and has assured his place as the lone striker up-front. He plays for Liverpool (England). The former Manchester City and Chelsea striker`s decision to join the Reds has benefited him and his team, which has made him a genuine option for Hodgson. He has been in stupendous form in the 2013-14 season, becoming the second highest scorer in the Premier league behind team-mate Luis Suarez.
Top Scorer during WC Qualification 2014: Wayne Rooney (6)
Top scorer at the Cup: Gary Lineker (10)
Most World Cup caps: Peter Shilton (17)
Team record at the Cup: M: 56, W: 26, D: 19, L: 14
Coach: Roy Hodgson was appointed as England manager in May 2012. He lost just one match in his opening 22 matches as Three Lions coach before losing two back-to-back friendlies against Germany and Chile in November 2013.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United)
Group listing: Group D, along with Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica.
Fixtures:
June 14: England v Italy, Manaus
June 19: Uruguay v England, Sao Paulo
June 24: Costa Rica v England, Belo Horizonte