All of the predicted dismay of the U.S. mens national team finding itself in a “Group of Death” scenario has quickly disappeared following Friday’s 2010 World Cup draw.  After being grouped with England, Slovenia and Algeria, hope is high among the U.S. supporters.

While it is true that coach Bob Bradley’s boys fared quite well, the assurance of a spot in the final sixteen is far from what many are now rejoicing.

Take a closer look at what the Americans will be facing next summer in South Africa.

England: The most historically powerful team in the group and currently the most talented, as well. Advanced from a good qualification group, losing only once, to Ukraine, en route to being one of the tournament’s eight seeded teams.

Widely regarded as the perennial contenders for the World Cup every four years, by the English media that is. The Three Lions are considered to be the second weakest seeded team in next summer’s tournament.  Yet it still boasts the two best players in the group: Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

In a very similar style to the Americans, Fabio Capello implies a 4-4-2 line-up, in which a striking partner to Rooney remains to be found.  He will rely heavily on Gerrard and Frank Lampard to get him the ball.

In the summer of 2008, the U.S. fell to England, 2-0 at Wembley. These two squads have changed little in a year and a half’s time, which suggests that to have the two sides will likely duplicate their last result. One mistake by the U.S. back line can allow Rooney the space to put his side ahead. The U.S. should also be wary of David Beckham, Landon Donovan’s LA Galaxy teammate, who is still ever so dangerous when given a freekick within range of the goal.

If the U.S. can find its form by next summer, coupled with a high number of Americans having experience with the British game and players; there is a glimmer of hope for a U.S. upset.

A healthy Oguchi Onyewu and Jay DeMerit will slow down Rooney and company. If Jermaine Jones is playing, he should be able to impede the midfield combination of Gerrard and Lampard as well.

But the talent difference between the two sides is too great in favor of England. There are just too many injures that have yet to be resolved for the Americans.

Predicted outcome: England 2, U.S. 1

Slovenia: Too many U.S. supporters have written this match off as a win already. 

The reason? Not enough people know anything about Slovenia. It was this team that knocked Russia out of World Cup qualifying.  If Russia was in this group, the optimism towards this group would quickly turn to a more negative outlook.

While the overall skill set of Slovenia does not bring the hope of raising the World Cup trophy; the Slovenia defense is one of the best that South Africa will see.

And what does the U.S. have trouble with? Scoring multiple goals. The most dangerous striker on the U.S. roster is a long-shot to be fit by next summer. So where does that leave the Americans in a match versus Slovenia?

They will need to be sharp on set pieces, as a goal from the run-of-play seems unlikely against a talented Slovenia defense. A Donovan counter-attack type goal, like the one scored versus Brazil in the Confederations Cup, will surely be needed.

Predicted outcome: U.S. 1, Slovenia 1

Algeria: Remember when the U.S. convincingly defeated Egypt 3-1, during the Confederations Cup? Egypt came into the match as the African Cup champions. This Algeria team beat Egypt to secure its spot in the World Cup.

After a troubling event, in which the Algerian bus was attacked and three players were injured, the Algerians willed their way to victory. Although it will be seen as one of the weaker teams within the World Cup, there will be some what of a home-field advantage for the Algerians.

For all the talk that says Algeria will be an easy win in group play, think again.  Every team in the tournament earned its way in. Parity is high at the World Cup, where any team can beat any team.  Algeria has already shown it can overcome adversity in getting to the World Cup. Now playing close to home and having the “underdog” label, the question is what team will Algeria catch napping and earn a draw or even capture a win against?

For the U.S. supporters, this match is no less important than the others as it will be the last in group play. Again, remember back to the last match of group play at the Confederations Cup, needing a lot of help and a number of goals the U.S. got the job done and advanced. Will it be a repeat performance?

Predicted outcome: U.S. 3, Algeria 1

So how will Group C look after match day three is finished?

                    W D L  GD PTS

England -    3 0 0    +4     9

U.S. -           1 1 1    +1     4

Slovenia -   1 1 1    (-1)    4

Algeria -      0 1 2    (-4)    1

England wins the group. As it plays the role of helper, just as Brazil did on the final match day at the Confederations Cup. The U.S. takes second and advances on goal differential.

As the World Cup gets closer, another, more up-to-date look at Group C will be given.

For more analysis on this and the rest of the 2010 World Cup groups, you can listen to Episode #62 of “Inside the Six”, as all eight of the groups are broken down and predictions are made.