Even though Sweden isn't generating the same pre-Cup buzz as England, perhaps it should be. In its last 11 meetings with England, including a 2002 World Cup group match, Sweden has only lost to its European rivals once.

If the Swedes can keep that trend alive during their June 20 Group B game, Sweden could steal the coveted No. 1 seed from this group.

Paraguay has the potential to spoil the European party in Group B, but it will likely end up finishing third. Trinidad & Tobago, the smallest country to ever qualify for a World Cup, is the tournament's long shot and will be hard-pressed to come away with one point in any of their three group games.

Group B

England

FIFA World Ranking: 10

Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson

2006 qualifying: Won UEFA Group 6, 8-1-1

2002 Finish: Lost to Brazil in quarterfinals

Key Players: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool/England), Frank Lampard (Chelsea/England)

Outlook: With Wayne Rooney's status still questionable, a nation will likely rest its hopes on Michael Owen — a veteran of two World Cups. Out since Dec. 31 with his own broken foot, the Newcastle United striker has looked marvelous at England's training camp according to his coach. Assuming Rooney isn't ready by June 10, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will have to select either Peter Crouch (Liverpool) or 17-year-old Theo Walcott as Owen's running match up top.

Paraguay

FIFA World Ranking: 33

Coach: Anibal Ruiz

2006 qualifying: Finished fourth in CONMEBOL, 8-4-6

Best Finish: Lost to Germany in second round

Key Players: Nelson Valdez (Werder Bremen/Germany), Carlos Gamarra (Palmeiras/Brazil)

Outlook: Having reached the final 16 in the past two World Cups, the Paraguayans look to take things a step further in 2006. Easily the most underrated team in South America, Paraguay features an an outstanding young striker in Nelson Valdez and an experienced defender in Carlos Gamarra. Paraguay will be a tough out for any team in the World Cup, especially because it plays a solid brand of team soccer. If Sweden and England trip up, Paraguay could easily finish in Group B's top two.

Sweden