I blame 2007 WC for this and the mighty $$$$. Unless something changes drastically, Ireland has equal chances as for current English team. That is my observation.
Holland put a scare in the last World cup. One cannot let this continue. Thus Ind and Eng came up with this farce idea.
I just wait for the day when Nepal, UAE or Malaysia some how kicks Eng or Ind's arrogant a$$e$.