IT is World Cup time, so inevitably the people of our great nation have taken to punditry. And, inevitably, many believe this will be England’s year.

While I would love to share their optimism, I’m afraid I find it difficult to promote Fab’s boys to favourite status.

No other sporting events stir the same passion and opinions as football’s global spectacle – and it can only be a good thing that so many of us are discussing the potential outcomes for South Africa 2010.

But when looking carefully at the arguments for and against – and the level of opposition the Three Lions could meet in the knockout stages – I favour the South American sides.

England’s case is not without merit. In Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney, they possess two men who would feature in many world XIs.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are proven performers and – on their best form – John Terry and Ledley King are among the best central defenders in the world. Glen Johnson and Aaron Lennon are exciting prospects, while Joe Cole is a real character and a wonderful player to watch.

However, coupled with our inability to hit the heights in major tournaments since Euro ‘96, the lack of depth in key positions and throughout the squad in general is a major worry.

The goalkeeping department is a case in point. With most top teams, the number one leaps out from the list. Think Iker Casillas, Julio Cesar and Gianluigi Buffon.

But for England, there are enough question marks surrounding David James, Robert Green and my choice Joe Hart to provide cause for concern.

And don’t get me started on what happens if Rooney were to get injured or suspended – the huge hole in our attacking arsenal would be nigh on impossible to plug.

That is why, when I joined the millions of like-minded individuals in giving my predictions for the World Cup, I had England finishing a creditable fourth after losing in the semi-finals against Brazil.

My other semi-final saw favourites Spain line up against Argentina.

Despite their abundance of quality – Xavi, Iniesta and Torres will leave all fans purring this summer – I can’t help thinking Argentina might have too much firepower for the Spanish.

If utilised in the correct manner, Messi and co could have the beating of the European champions.

That leaves me with a Brazil-Argentina final. While neutrals around the globe would no doubt want the Samba Boys to add to their tally of five World Cups, I just think Argentina are creeping under the radar and that will work in their favour.

The focus has been largely on Maradona, a manager these days, and whether he will make the right choices. That he takes much of the limelight could ease the burden on his star men, of which there are plenty, so expect them to shine.

Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Messi are all marvellous players – and that’s before thinking about Diego Milito – the man who won the Champions League for Internazionale.

To me, it looks like a recipe for success.

My predictions: Argentina (winners), Brazil (runners-up), Spain (third), England (fourth).

Put your pundit’s hat on and let us know what you think...