Form, fitness concerns hit England's Cup buildup

LONDON - Few pundits expect England to be overly troubled by any of their opponents in Group C.

Instead, meetings with the United States, Slovenia and Algeria will be scrutinized for pointers as to the ability of Fabio Capello's squad to progress deep into the tournament after a domestic club season that has provided the Italian with encouragement and cause for concern in roughly equal measure.

Capello has been spared the injury headaches that bedevilled Sven-Goran Eriksson in the run-up to the 2002 and 2006 finals, with midfield anchor Gareth Barry the only serious worry on that score.