World Cup Countdown - Tony Carr MBE

West Ham United Academy Director Tony Carr MBE echoes the thoughts of many pundits when he picks out the leading South American countries as his outstanding candidates to win this summer's World Cup.

Carr believes the conditions will play into the home nations' hands, with Brazil and Argentina looking his most likely winners.

"I think you have to go for one of the South American teams," he explained. "It's going to be very unlikely for a European team to go to South America and win a World Cup in those conditions.

"There's always a first of course, but my favourites would be Brazil or Argentina for me.

"I think England can go there and in some respects relax and enjoy the tournament because the expectation isn't very high.

"Firstly, I hope we can qualify into the latter stages, and I think a semi-final slot would be an outstanding achievement for England this year."

The England squad contains a couple of Academy graduates in Glen Johnson and Frank Lampard and Carr is tipping the now-Liverpool full back to shine on the world stage.

He added: "Glen has had a frustrating time with injuries, but it looks like he's come back from that and he looks as strong as ever.

"I think the right back berth is his to be had and I wish him all the best and hope he goes there and has a good World Cup."