Players to watch #178: Robert Koren

I can't help but focus on Group C and the opportunities it launches directly down England's collective national esophagi. Nor can I help using the early stages of this list to make examples of some teams by their best known personnel. Robert Koren is a leading light at the Hawthorns, but lets remember where the Hawthorns lies. WBA are an exciting side at the second tier and a good bet for promotion, but next season is bound for chain after everlasting chain of dismally disappointing Premiership defeats.

Koren is also a leading light at Slovenia. Their recent history of shock qualifications for major tournaments should show that if a stronger side were to assume an easy ride they will be inviting a humiliating slap in the face. I'm sure Hiddink wasn't so lax in attitude over two legs and now look at him.

Still, England are playing at the World Cup finals and with a man like Capello holding the flag of promise rather than umbrella of despair this summer, we should be near the top of our game and with the workrate that should be standard for this side, we could dispose of Koren and Slovenia in 45 minutes and still afford to look all cagey for the remainder. I wouldn't even say different about both the other Group C team's chances against Matjaz Kek's boys.

Players to watch #179: Hong Yong-Jo

Its hard to write anything about North Korea. Officially, or according to the State, this man doesn't exist, yet in the Russian town of Rostov he is a known striker and rumoured as the primary goal threat for his 'wildcard' national side. Can't say that about many North Koreans but I have sworn to make a contribution about every nation heading to the same destination as myself (albeit by wiser means). Something doesn't quite add up...

Players to watch #180: Mahjid Bougherra

Magic Bougherra? Are you kidding me?! The former Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and now Rangers supremo is leaving a trail of failed clubs in the wake of his unglorious career, and being a definite starter for Algeria next summer, I defy those few who warn of troubled times ahead for the England camp.

I'm sure they have a few technically gifted players in the middle of the park, but do not give me Zidane references, there is no one accomplished enough for what lies ahead. He will be sharing the back line with Portsmouth's Belhadj, who I view in only a marginally less patronising light.