'Glory, Glory' for the whole nation

Just days before the World Cup, David Beckham faces the realization that he will only play a small part in trying to end one of sports' greatest droughts.

England's World Cup chances rely heavily on the shoulders of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. The new poster boy for English football, Rooney leads a talented group into South Africa hoping to win England's first World Cup in 44 years.

Captained by Steven Gerrard, the group of 23 is awfully impressive on paper. Even more impressive may be their storied coach Fabio Capello. But the red and white always seem to occur the unluckiest of fates on the biggest stage. Many recall the recent heartbreak at the 2006 World Cup when England lost in the quarter finals to Portugal on penalties.

All three players that missed penalties in that shootout (Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher) are on the team this year. Lampard has said that in order for England to take a step forward, they have to be mentally stronger this year.

And Rooney fits the bill. He plays on the country's most prestigious club team and consistently puts up great numbers. One of the stars featured on Nike's newest World Cup commercial, one has to wonder if England does win it this year, if every newborn baby boy will be named Wayne.

If anything does get into the minds of the English, it is that they are not getting any younger. Only 3 players on the squad are under the age of 25 (Rooney, Aaron Lennon and James Milner) with most of the England core in their late 20s and early 30s. In 2014, the Gerrard's and Lampard's will give way to next generation of English stars.

Take Lennon's Tottenham teammate Danny Rose for example. Just 20 years old, he may have scored the goal of the year in his first Premiership game. Manchester City's Michael Johnson barely missed this year's squad with Capello opting to choose veteran Joe Cole. Their most promising young star may be Arsenal's Theo Walcott. At 21 years of age, he was expected to make this year's team but dealing with injuries this past season, Capello did not think he was fit enough.

Going with experience over potential, Capello hopes to change the football fortunes of this hard luck country. Until father time catches up with them, they will be relied on to help this team party like it's 1966.

DD