BLACKBURN Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen has tipped England to reach the World Cup final next month.

The New Zealand skipper reckons conditions will be perfect for Fabio Capello’s men to make a major impact in South Africa.

England should cruise through Group C, which includes the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.

But they could meet Germany, France or Argentina in the latter stages.

“I just think it’s England’s time,” Nelsen said.

“My final is England-Spain or England-Brazil. Everyone laughs at me when I say it.

“But it’s going to be played in winter, it could be wet, and they’re conditions that England thrive in.

“Every other World Cup has been played in hot, humid conditions and England notoriously aren’t very good in it.

“They’re my dark horses to win it. I really hope England go all the way. Because I live there and have a lot of English friends I’d like them to do well.”

Nelsen’s New Zealand squad, at the World Cup for the first time since 1982, is in Group F with defending champion Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay.

And the Rovers star reckons they could spring a surprise in the group stages.

He added: “I think that is the beauty of soccer, and it is why it is easily the most popular sport in the world - because the underdog can take down the favourite, it happens all the time.

“What I really like about this New Zealand team is we are competitive, we’ve got some really good players, and all the guys will do anything for their country.

“So if we have a good day and they have a bad day, you never know.”

l England are 6-1 third favourites to win the World Cup. New Zealand are 1000-1.