To continue the series, we take a look at the unenviable task of predicting Group D – in my opinion the hardest group of all in the tournament. England, Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica will all be chomping at the bit to begin the tournament successfully, with Costa Rica the contender most are presuming the least likely to make it past the group stages.

It’s worth mentioning that, at the time of writing, England’s ‘B’ team had drawn 2-2 with Ecuador (Rooney and Lambert goals) whilst Italy put out what appeared to be their first choice starting 11, but only managed a 1-1 draw with Luxembourg, courtesy of an early Claudio Marchisio goal.

The Defence

England

Despite reputations, England had a relatively successful qualifying campaign, conceding only four goals in a relatively settled back-line. Centrally, Phil Jagielka (Everton) and Gary Cahill (Chelsea) have both enjoyed successful club campaigns, and, barring injury, will be paired together for the whole of the tournament. On the left, Leighton Baines delivery down the flank will be key, whilst his set-piece delivery from corners will also prove to be needed. In all likelihood, he will lose his spot-kicks to Steven Gerrard. With Baines all but nailed on, Luke Shaw is likely to be in Brazil just for experience purposes. Glen Johnson may be suspect at the back, but his only real competition, Chris Smalling, isn’t a natural full-back, so he will likely keep his place.

The Midfield

England

Again, whilst many doubt England’s ability to even make it out of the group stages, they do offer a wealth of options that, domestically, have had very strong campaigns. Captain, Steve Gerrard, has a monopoly on set pieces, scoring and assisting 13 goals, although his withdrawn role is likely to diminish any major attacking returns. Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson are likely to compete with each other for the energetic ‘double pivot’ roles. If so, recovered balls between the pair will be a likely source of points.

Further up the field, we can only really speculate on the likely starters. Raheem Sterling scored nine and made five, and Adam Lallana produced similar stats over the season with nine goals and six assists. The pair are set to claim the wide roles, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner muddying the waters somewhat.

Worryingly, however, Danny Welbeck of Manchester United has become England’s preferred wide-left player, causing even more problems when selecting midfield options.

Italy

Another team full of potential, the likely line-up changed due to the unfortunate injury to midfield mainstay, Riccardo Montolivo.

Juventus supply the two players most likely to start: Andrea Pirlo (six goals, seven assists) hogs the set-pieces (when Mario Balotelli is not on the pitch) and his cool, calm character will be integral to slowing the play down in the warm Brazilian climate.

His Juventus partner, Claudio Marchisio, may have lacked returns recently (just five goals and an assist) but his box-to-box presence for the Italians is likely to be a factor.

Daniel De Rossi is set to sit alongside that pair – the physical midfielder will be the shield for the defence, and sometimes joins them if a switch to 3-5-2 occurs mid game. Whilst an excellent player, he may have to rely on blocked shots and recovered balls for Fantasy points. Should a 4-3-3 be deployed, Anotonio Candreva may come into contention on the right wing, having scored 12 and assisted six, although he can be utilised in midfield. However, he will face stiff opposition from Alessio Cerci, who also had an excellent season, to hold that spot.

The Forwards

England

Wayne Rooney may have been one of the few players for United that actually played for the badge, but his international form going into the tournament is somewhat suspect. Although Rooney scored seven goals for England during the qualifiers, he has a reputation (a topic hotly debated) of under-performing on the big stage. Rooney is likely to play slightly deeper, up in support of a lone striker. Daniel Sturridge is the overwhelming favourite for the that role and comes to the tournament in fine goalscoring form (21 in his first full season at Liverpool). Whether Sturridge can replicate this form on the biggest international stage remains to be seen.

Penalty king, Rickie Lambert, may be new to the international circuit, but he offers England something different going forward, albeit without guaranteed pitch time. Danny Welbeck has been making the left flank his own, although challenges from Lallana and Sterling lessen his appeal and he goes into the opener with England as an injury doubt.

Uruguay

The deadly duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are the focal point of the Uruguayan team. With 17 goals in qualifying between them and excellent domestic campaigns, they have undoubted appeal, although there are doubts that this will that be enough for Fantasy managers to set aside considerable slices of their budget for their talents.

Question marks still surround whether Suarez will be available for the tournament’s opening matches, but if not, veteran forward Diego Forlan or youngster Adel Hernandez (with 14 goals in 28 appearances) could fill in.

Italy

Mario Balotelli enjoys the comforts of being the main man up top. The first name on the team sheet, with guaranteed spot-kicks, Balotelli is a safe bet for those backing the Italians. A strong international record includes the devastating brace against Germany in the semi-finals of the last European Championship competition, highlighting his love for the limelight.

Should a front two be preferred, either Ciro Immobile (22 goals) or the flexible Alessio Cerci (13 goals) will join him. Cerci’s ability to play in behind or out wide makes him the safer bet, although with a hat-trick in Italy’s previous friendly against Fluminense, Immobile now looks to be in the box-seat.

The Differentials

Antonio Candreva (Italy) – With 12 goals and six assists, and the ability to remain flexible enough to play in the middle or on the wing, Candreva is an option, albeit one that must overcome his own teammates to earn a start, rather than his own form.

Keylar Navas (Costa Rica) – Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga, Navas is more than likely to have his work cut out but his save points, rather than clean sheets, could see him fetch some handsome returns

Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica) – If Costa Rica score, it’s almost guaranteed that the former Fulham man will be involved. His partner in crime, Arsenal loanee, Joel Campbell (scoring nine and assisting 10 last season), is the most likely to reap the benefits of any assists.

Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) – The heart of both the Juventus and the Italian defence. An aerial threat, and if recovered balls are part of your game, this man should be the first man on your list.