Fears surrounding England's World Cup base are wide of the mark, according to former national team manager Glenn Hoddle.
The 52-year-old, whose England side lost on penalties to Argentina in the second round of the 1998 World Cup, recently visited the Bafokeng Sports Centre and was hugely impressed with the venue.
There were concerns that building work at the site would not be finished on time but Hoddle said it would be ready and believes England's base is the best facility of any of the nations competing for football's biggest prize in South Africa this summer.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss said: "It's great. It really is a top quality training camp. They have got without a doubt the best facility of any of the nations.
"The pitches and facilities are first class. It is finished — there was just one medical bit that is being done. The pitches have floodlights so they can train at night if they want to. It really is an excellent training camp."
Hoddle also backed England as genuine World Cup contenders.
"Brazil and Spain are clear favourites but things can go wrong for them — Spain have never been in this position going into a tournament so it will be interesting to see how they cope," he said.
"But outside those two there are probably six or seven nations who could win the World cup and England are one of those.
"It's about playing seven matches, getting the rub of the green and keeping your key players fit, that's important.
"It will be a test for us but we can win it. We've got a good team, it remains to be seen if we have a great team. They've got a chance to prove that and make history."
Having taken England to the finals' in France 12 years ago, Hoddle can empathise with current manager Fabio Capello as the domestic season reaches its climax.
He said: "I know how Fabio is feeling because this is a nightmare time. If anything drastic happens to key players now there is no time to recover. It is really nerve wracking."
