An England Fan’s Guide to the FIFA 2010 World Cup – Group Stage

An England Fan’s Guide to the FIFA 2010 World Cup – Group Stages

June 12th 2010 is a date that will already be inked into most England supporter’s diaries. It is a day when people will gather, hopes will be renewed and every English nerve inside every England shirt will be shot, jangled and tested to the full.

By the end of the day we will know if we can expect a summer of fantastic football from our lads in South Africa or another four years of heartache, disappointment and pessimism that England supporters have become all too accustomed with over the last few years.

Since crashing out of the Euro 2008 qualifications at the hands of Croatia much has changed in the England camp. We’ve waved goodbye to Steve McClaren and welcomed in Fabio Capello, a manger whose knowledge, passion and unquestionable work ethic has transformed an under-achieving team into a strengthened unit capable of beating any world-class squad.

Thanks to Mr. Capello reigniting both the nation and national team’s passion for international football, things are looking up for the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

Many of us will be watching from work or at home, but there will be a lucky and dedicated few who will travel to South Africa to follow England on their World Cup Journey in 2010.

Below is a day-by-day guide to England’s group games for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Match Day 1: Rustenburg

Rustenburg will be the location of the England team’s base camp where they will eat, sleep and train during their time in South Africa. Fortunately for the team and fans alike, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg will be the location of England’s first game against the USA on the June 12th. On paper, this is England’s toughest group fixture, so winning this game would be a great boost for both the team and the country. The kick off will take place at 20:30 CET (Central European Time) which will be 18:30 GMT. Booking a hotel in the Rustenburg area will allow football fans to get to the games with ease, and being situated close to the England camp will mean you can watch the team train.

Click here for more information on the stadium and a list of hotels in Rustenburg.

Match Day 2: Cape Town

Six days later on June 18th England will face Algeria in Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium. Situated a few hundreds yards from the Atlantic Ocean; the stadium received an overhaul in preparation for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. If England win this game they will be in fantastic shape for qualification, possibly only needing a single point from their final game to finish top of the group. The kick off will take place at 20:30 CET, meaning that for those watching from home in the UK the game will start at 18:30. The journey from Rustenburg to Cape Town is nearly 900 miles, so booking a flight from Tambo International Airport to Cape Town International airport will save plenty of time and effort.

Click here for more information on the stadium and a list of hotels in Cape Town.

Match Day 3: Port Elizabeth

England’s third and final group game will be played against Slovenia on June 23rd at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. A 470 mile trip from Cape Town stadium is made much easier by getting a flight from Cape Town International Airport to Port Elizabeth Airport, shortening an 8 hour bus journey to just a couple of hours in the air. If all has gone well for England this game should be a comfortable one, although it is still a must win fixture. Kick off will be at 16:00 CET, making it 14:00 GMT for those watching in the UK.

Click here for more information on the stadium and a list of hotels in Port Elizabeth.

After a 7349 mile round-trip from the UK to Rustenburg to Cape Town and finally to Port Elizabeth, hopefully England have done the business and qualified for the next stage of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.