WC Preview Links: [Squads] [Draw] [Captain Previews: Menu; Lags; Pups; Nippers]

How do you rate your team's chances in World Cup 2002?
Another World Cup, another Pup Supremo predicting great things. Well, as a lover of tradition I'm going to set my stall out - the Pups are in with a real chance this year.

The draw has been unkind to us again and even though we've avoided the Italians, we still have to face three potentially tricky opponents in the group of death; the Manchester teams have combined this year and will be keen to improve on their recent poor performances, the Dutch will be technically accomplished and may challenge if they can overcome the dressing room divisions, and the Czechs will add home advantage to their ruthless efficiency.

However, our performances against teams from higher divisions this season have proved again what a good Cup side we are. We have only just completed a long league season in a competitive division and can expect to be the fittest squad in Prague and no-one will have played together as regularly as us. A feature of our performances this season has been how well we hold our shape and we will be hard to score against. Throw in a full-sized keeper and some returning foreign talent in the shape of Denyer and Loriot and it could come down to how well we cope with the twin obstacles of fantastically cheap lager and 7am kick offs. Mike Marsh has been doing his best to get us fit and will be hosting drinking sessions so that we are acclimatised by the time we reach Prague.

Give us a quick intro to the players in your squad. Who are the dangermen and budding World Cup stars?
Many of the Pups are household names by now, but here's the lowdown on each squad member:
Lee Pendleton - World Cup debut for the new pups keeper who has displaced Cookie to make the Pup's No.1 shirt his own. Top draw shot stopper.
Paul Mainwaring - Mr Consistency - cultured left back who always gives 110%. Good in the air and has quick feet for a big man.
Manlio Travato : Never-say-die stopper who doesn't know the meaning of defeat. Must play well if the Pups are to progress.
Jeff Hatton : Granite-faced man-mountain who continues to defy the ravages of time to marshal potentially the best backline in the World Cup. Weighs in with crucial goals.
Simon Groom : Former bad boy who has cleaned up his act this season and started to fulfil his potential. Running in to form at just the right time. The Pups never lose when Groom scores.
Davinder Gautam : The complete midfield package - two good feet, rock hard tackle and not afraid to put his foot on the ball. Pups will be looking for him to stamp his authority on the game.
Matt Denyer : Hardest working member of the squad - has a great engine and will run box-to-box all day. If he can re-adjust to the English game after his stint in the Bundesliga, could provide the platform that allows the Pups to play.
Nigel Hoyland : Match-winner on his day, a man the opposition won't want in their box. Provides genuine cover between the uprights. A real poacher turned goalkeeper.
Craig Taylor : Versatile attacking midfielder equally at home leading the line or bossing the middle of the park as flying down the flanks. Tireless runner who covers every blade of grass. When he plays well the Pups play well.
Paul Banoub : Graduated from the Nippers last year and established as Pups No. 9. A player for the big occasion. If the service is good, he could be the man with the goals to take us all the way.
Nich Fazel : Making his World Cup debut for the Pups, a quicksilver striker blessed with electric pace and an eye for goal. If he can stay fit, Nich could be the Pups surprise package.
Jon Clarke : Celtic wing-wizard with bags of flair and a great footballing brain. As accomplished at hanging it up at the back stick as he is rifling home 30 yard drives. Always dangerous from a dead-ball situation.
Sandric Loriot : Emerged last year as a real force in the international game. The Pups will be hoping for another bravura performance from this classy midfielder. Strong, skilful and has a sweet left peg. Scores goals for fun.
Mike Marsh : Another to earn promotion from the Nippers who should take the step up in class in his huge stride. Solid left sided midfielder / defender who s a real handful when he's up from the back. Mask could fall foul of continental referees.
Jez Brown : Has added discipline to his game but still master of the late arrive. Runs the first 10 yards in his head. Will be looking to apply the hammer and slot a couple into the onion bag this year.

How do you rate the oppo? Who do you tip to win this years tournament?
Outside of the three England teams, Scotland will be stronger for fielding a single side and the German supporters are already reserving seats for the final, but it is hard to see serious challengers beyond the French and our old friends the Italians.

What do you reckon to The Lags / Nippers chances?
The Lags will fancy their chances again and despite another tough group featuring past winners in the Italians and Scotland, their 26 man squad features a host of players who were good in their day. Whatever they will be lacking, it won't be experience. Much will depend on how well the as yet unnamed Lags Supremo juggles his bloated squad.

The Nippers are an unknown quantity blending experienced former Pups and Lags, fringe players and Groom's Norfolk contingent. Intriguingly, the will be managed by Groom senior - perhaps offering an insight into the development of the regular LFC Supremo.

Which of your players are in the running for the Cardboard Box Award?
One trophy guaranteed to be coming home with England is the coveted cardboard box. Last year's surprise winner was Hoyzone who trounced the ailing and clearly rattled pre-tournament favourite Raffo. This year promises to be battle-royal, Hoyzone has maintained the standards he set last year with an ease that suggests he still has another couple of gears whilst Raffo has lately regained some of his old spark. Both are class acts and it will take something special to wrest the title away their grasp.