Seven to eight contenders for 2010 football World Cup trophy: John Terry

England skipper John Terry has downplayed his side’s status as one of the favourites for the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa, saying that there is no one outstanding contender.

Terry said that seven or eight teams have the potential to win the trophy.

“I'm not going to stand here and say, ‘We are going to win the World Cup. We're not going carried away. We have a chance, as long as we keep people fit and strong, and we go out there with the right mentality,” The Mirror quoted Terry, as saying.

“Everyone can see the potential that we have, but it's the same with Portugal and other teams; Brazil, Argentina and Spain are very strong. It's going to be interesting. One of seven or eight teams can go on and win it,” he added.

He also raised a warning flag to those who think that the United States will be a pushover in the teams' group opener in the tournament.

“Everyone's getting carried away saying it's an easy group, but the USA is a very tough game and we have to be on our toes,” he added.

England has a 7-2 record against the Americans, including wins in the last two friendly meetings - 2-1 at Chicago's Soldier Field in 2005 and 2-0 at Wembley last year.