World Cup 2014: Group D - Which team has the most international experience?

England don't boast the experience in their ranks that Italy and Uruguay can rely on

England compete in Group D alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. It's a tough group, but which country boasts the most international experience and goals? In the final of his World Cup infographics, Matt Isherwood takes a look...

At a World Cup, experience is key. Of course the bright, energetic and fearless youngsters can steal the show and later become mainstays of highlight packages, but it is the players that have been there and done it before, the stars that wear the international shirt comfortably, that are the cornerstones of any good international side.

Group D has a good argument for being the fabled and much-feared 'Group of Death'; England, Uruguay and Italy are all traditionally heavyweights on the international scene and Costa Rica aren't also-rans and should be respected. So, which country can rely on the experience they have within their ranks?

(Click to enlarge)

As we can see, with the exception of the goalkeeping department, Uruguay boast huge experience, and the amount of caps they have under their collective belts in the defence, midfield and forward positions dwarfs each of their rivals.

If we look at the amount of goals within each team at international level, Uruguay again come out on top not again, chiefly due to the vast amount of experience they carry in forward positions.

With many pundits writing off Uruguay as a side coming to the end of their 'cycle' after a poor performance in qualifying, it may be worth considering that their vast wisdom at this level and in this tournament could hold them in good stead when it comes to the crunch.

As for England, well, the Three Lions are third in experience to both Italy and their South American foes and so here's hoping those bright, young things can make up the deficit... 

Back who you think will win Group D here

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