England most impressive by far

Though a win in Azerbaijan is not a foregone conclusion, even without suspended and injured skipper David Beckham, England look too strong for the home side.

With hosts Germany already qualified for the finals, England and three other major powers have made contrasting starts to their campaigns to join the German football festival in the summer of 2006.

For, while England top their group, France are third — albeit on goal difference — in Group Four, Italy are second in Group Five and Spain are third, also on goal difference, in Group Seven.

Other usual World Cup regulars such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Bulgaria are all trailing in their groups — and although the competition in most groups is still in the early stages, some teams need to start winning soon or else risking being left too far behind the leading pack.