Jermain Defoe: England are the team they'll all fear in South Africa

Vicente Del Bosque's Spain are the favourites for next summer's World Cup. They are also the side many people use to dampen expectations in this country following England's favourable group draw against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.

Spain cruised to an easy 2-0 win over Capello's England last February. Missing from that match, however, were the likes of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

And Defoe believes that with a full complement of players on both sides with far more at stake the contest could be a lot closer.

The Spurs striker, who scored in the 2-1 friendly win over Slovenia two months ago, said: "Spain are a great side, with top  players queueing up to get a game – and they’re the European champions, so I  guess they’re the team to beat. Let’s hope we meet them in the Final.

"To be honest, I think the other teams will be more worried about us. When you look at our set-up, with the manager, the squad, and  players that can make an impact, you have to fear  England.

"Obviously you don’t want  to be too confident – but we’re going out there to win it. Mr Capello says we can beat anyone and the players believe that."

Confidence up and down the country is sky-high following England's favourable group draw against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.

Defoe admits he is delighted with England's first-round opponents but is well aware that - should we progress - Germany would be potentially far tougher opposition.

He told Zoo magazine: "Germany are a  great footballing nation and they always do well in tournaments. It’d be  brilliant to face them, what with all the history.

They’re a well-organised side  and they’re tough to break down, so it’ll  be a hard game - if it happens.

"But the group draw went brilliantly. It couldn’t have gone better! My heart was pounding when the names came out the pot but, as an England player and fan, I’d take that.

"As players, you’re  focused on your club. But when the draw’s been made and you know who you’ve got,  it feels like it’s really

happening!"

France and Brazil are potential opponents on the way to the Final. Defoe went on: "All the usual countries that are used to playing at this stage  will be in contention.

"Brazil are more solid, Holland can play and Italy are the kings of doing enough to get through. But once it gets underway, anything can  happen.

"An African  team has to win the World Cup some time. I just hope it’s not this time! But if you  look at Ivory Coast, they’re physically so strong and athletic and they have Didier  Drogba, who’s really flying at the moment."