England's sluggish 1-1 draw with the US led pundits to claim that Fabio Capello's side are not good enough to win the tournament, with Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer mocking their style of play as "kick and rush".

Ferdinand, who is in South Africa, feels the British media have a lot to answer for, heightening expectation and reacting negatively to setbacks - but maintains that England can still take the trophy home.

"Of course England have a chance to win it," the former England U21 international told Eurosport. "Italy drew 1-1 with the US last time and they went all the way.

"Now we have so much experience in the squad, a lot of the lads are viewing this as their last World Cup, their last chance after two or three cracks at it already.

"They’ve got great experience and hunger and if ever there’s a time to win it this would be it.

"Everyone has an opinion and a right to give their views, especially journalists as it’s their job to do so.

"But it doesn’t help that the media is very negative towards England. Yes, if you’re a player at the highest level you should be able to deal with criticism, and I’m not saying that the English press don’t want us to win.

"The Italian press tend to get behind their team more and put less pressure on the team to win every game easily. You can see that in the calmer reaction to their draw with Paraguay - and they’re the champions, so they have a right to be demanding.

"Less pressure and expectation can only help create the right atmosphere."

While there was a great deal of disappointment after the opening game, England fan Ferdinand is staying calm, and pointed to slow-starters often growing into tournaments.

"I think they’ll bear up fine after the draw, it’s not a big blow," he continued. "The first game in a World Cup is always hard, mentally and physically. Now the time is to show what they’re made of, and I know the spirit is quite high.

"It’s the first time they’ve played a competitive game since the season ended, and the first competitive England game since they qualified at the end of last year.

"That’s probably one of the reasons why their World Cup has started slower than people expected. But with the quality in the side and the big-game players in there I am sure they’re going to come through and kick-start the campaign for England."

Ferdinand has been in regular contact with his brother, whose World Cup was cruelly ended before it began due to a knee injury in training before kick-off.

Manchester United star Rio, 31, was initially unable to speak following the blow but is in better spirits now.

"He’s as good as he can be," Anton - who is travelling around South Africa with rapper Tinchy Stryder for Nike’s 'Take the Stage' campaign - admitted.

"Obviously he’s devastated that he’s not playing on the biggest stage of a footballer’s career as it’s not only a World Cup but he was hoping, eventually, to be one of only two players to play in four World Cups for England.

"But he’s bearing up fine and he’s in a good place and just wants to get behind the boys and make sure the squad does well."

Ferdinand has been hugely impressed by the host nation so far, saying it is the "ideal place" to hold a tournament. He insisted that the reported high crime rate has not posed any problems and he feels it is no more dangerous than London.

"When I landed at the airport you could sense something special was happening here, that a historic event was in process.," Ferdinand added.

"South Africa has dealt with it very well, they have made everyone feel welcome and it’s been an enjoyable experience so far - the hospitality and facilities have been superb.

"Much was made of the crime rate here beforehand but there’s crime everywhere in the world so it’s unfair to point the finger at South Africa. I haven’t seen anything with my own eyes in a week out here and everyone has been so hospitable - it’s feels no different to being in London in terms of crime.

"A World Cup was going to have to be staged in Africa sooner or later and, with its stage of development, South Africa was the ideal place."

Anton Ferdinand is backing the Help For Heroes campaign, with the exclusive World Cup "For Club And Country" England / South Africa shirt currently on sale raising money for the charity that provides for wounded British war veterans: www.4clubandcountry.com

You can follow Anton Ferdinand and Tinchy Stryder’s tweets and updates as they travel around South Africa with Nike’s Take the Stage by downloading the Facebook app: http://go.nike.com/07ajls4f

Reda Maher / Eurosport