Kek - England can win it

Kek: Backing England

They have individual quality and now that has been turned from individual quality into team quality.

Matjaz Kek
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Slovenia head coach Matjaz Kek has backed group rivals England to win this summer's World Cup.

England's chances of cup glory were increased when they were drawn in Group C - alongside the USA, Algeria and Slovenia.

Fabio Capello's side are already among the favourites to win the tournament after the Italian guided them through an impressive qualifying campaign.

Kek credits Capello with bringing unity and discipline to the England squad - the characteristics that could see them win their first World Cup since 1966.

"England can win it, they have a lot of the best players in the world in their team," Kek said.

Team quality

"They're good tactically, have good players and have good discipline. England is one of the best teams in the world and that's why they are one of the favourites for the tournament.

"They have individual quality and now that has been turned from individual quality into team quality. They are a strong team now and that has been down to Fabio Capello."

The summer's tournament is likely to be the last for a number of England veterans including David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and David James.

Success in South Africa is likely to hold even more importance to those players and Kek believes that could significantly increase England's chances.

"The World Cup only comes around once every four years and I don't know how many of these players will be available in four years," he said.

Big stars

"For a lot these players it will be the last chance to win something with the team and this, I think, will be great motivation for the English players to do well."

The name of Manchester United goalscorer Wayne Rooney is likely to strike fear into the hearts of most opposition coaches, with the Englishman already netting 29 goals this season.

Kek, though, is not focusing solely on the highly-rated striker and insists he will not be Slovenia's only worry when the two teams meet on 23rd June.

"Everyone from England is asking me about Wayne Rooney, but I don't think I should be talking about Wayne Rooney because England have some other big stars in the team other than him," the 56-year-old said.

"When you talk about England you must talk about the team and not just one of the players."