World Cup 2010: 90 Seconds With Los Campesinos!

As part of Gigwise’s musical guide to World Cup, we spoke to a host of artists about this summer’s tournament in South Africa.

Here, Tom from Los Campesinos! talks about England’s chances...

Gigwise: Was Fabio Capello’s decision to leave Theo Walcott out of the 23-man England Squad a wise decision?

Tom: “It’s probably a fair enough decision based on his recent form, but I’m not sure Shaun Wright Phillips is a much better replacement.  I kind of assumed that after the season Adam Johnson’s had, and being a left-footer that can play both sides, that he would’ve been included. I also thought Michael Dawson should’ve gone in place of Ledley King as, again, he’s looked really good when I’ve seen him play this season, and it doesn’t seem like the England squad needs any more injury-prone defenders.  But then, I’m heavily influenced by how players did in my Fantasy Football team, so what do I know? It’s not like Mr Capello would make his decisions using a statistical database.” 

Gigwise: Who will be England’s key player at the World Cup this summer, and why?

Tom: “The way England have played in his absence, I’d probably say Gareth Barry.  Without Hargreaves, he’s the only player that seems to be able to play that holding role effectively and reliably, and if he’s in the team I think Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson will be able to get forward more, and, assuming what I learnt from Jonathan Wilson is right, that’s gonna be pretty essential for England.”

Gigwise: Will England miss David Beckham?

Tom: “I actually think they might, especially after seeing how shit England’s passing was in those recent friendlies.  Even when he’s only making small cameos as an impact sub, his distribution and crossing is always effective, and I’m sure his experience would’ve been useful.  He’ll make a great cheerleader though.”

Gigwise: Which country do you think poses the biggest threat to England’s chances?

Tom: “Uh, probably England; noone can hijack our chances quite as well as we can.  I really wouldn’t be surprised if the US get a decent result against us too.  Besides that, you’d have to say Spain are the favourites.”  
 
Gigwise: What’s your favourite football anthem of all time?

Tom: “’Three Lions’.”
 
Gigwise: If you could record your own song for England, what would it be, and why?

Tom: “’Three Lions (2010)’. You only have to change that lyric to '44 years of hurt' and you’re all set.”
 
Gigwise: If you could collaborate with any England player past or present, who would it be and why?

Tom: “Hmm, I’d probably pick Peter Beardsley and Paul Scholes, and we’d release a picture disc with this on the A-side and this on the B-side.”
 
Gigwise: If you could change football in any way, what would it be?

Tom: “James Richardson would be presenting Match of the Day, and I’d be his fluffer.”
 
Gigwise: Where will you be watching the games this summer?

Tom: “Probably in a pub in Cardiff… Wales like England, right?”
 
Gigwise: Finally, can England win?

“Uh, they could, I guess. But I’m pretty sure they won’t. I’ll be delighted if I’m wrong though.”