World Cup Q&A with Ray Parlour

As kick-off to the Insurance Times World Cup Fantasy League draws closer, Danny Walkinshaw spoke to former Arsenal and England footballer Ray Parlour about his thoughts on the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa.

Name your England 11 for the World Cup

GK: David James

FB: Glen Johnson

FB: Ashley Cole

DF: John Terry

DF: Rio Ferdinand

MF: Aaron Lennon

MF: Frank Lampard

MF: Gareth Barry

MF: Steven Gerrard

ST: Wayne Rooney

ST: Peter Crouch

How far can England go?

I think they will get out of the group stage, no problem. It’s all about having a little bit of luck and keeping your players fit. If England can keep their main team fit for the whole tournament, they will have a very good chance. I think seven or eight of England’s players would get in any other team. They’ve got a brilliant manager in Fabio Capello. I think they can go all the way.

Name three players to watch out for in this year’s World Cup

1) Lionel Messi, Argentina – he’s had a great season at Barcelona and is in great form.

2) Wayne Rooney, England – if England do go a long way in the World Cup, Rooney is going to be a major factor.

3) The Spanish midfield – any one of Xavi, Iniesta or Fabregas.

What’s your prediction for who will be in the World Cup final – and the score?

England v Brazil: 1-0 to England after extra time.

Favourite World Cup moment?

Italy v Brazil in the 1982 World Cup quarter finals. Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick, and Italy won 3-2. It was edge-of-your-seat stuff.

What’s your best England memory?

Thinking I’d scored against Finland in a World Cup qualifier. The ball went over the line but the goal was disallowed. It was one of those situations when you think you’ve scored, and as you run away celebrating, you find the ref has disallowed it.

And finally, have you ever thought about a career in insurance broking?

I haven’t, no. Maybe one day I would. I’m a consultant for Lockton, which works with a lot of footballers. I’m enjoying working with them. I’ve got my own events company as well, Spirit Events 2, and I work with Lockton through that as well.

Ray Parlour, 37, played for Arsenal for 14 years. He is a consultant for Lockton and works closely with executive director Michael Owen, of the accident, health, sports and contingency division. Lockton was recently appointed as global insurance partner to SoccerEx.

Click here to play Insurance Times World Cup Fantasy Football.