Casey waiting to discover Cup partner

Paul Casey believes England have a great chance of claiming only their second ever World Cup title later this year.

England’s two-man team will be decided after this week’s German Masters in Cologne, with the top two on the world rankings qualifying.

Former amateur star Casey currently heads the way and is all but assured of his place, with Justin Rose and Ian Poulter fighting it out to join him at Kiawah Island in November.

Casey, winner of two tournaments this season, has played in the last two World Cups and is confident England can repeat the success of Nick Faldo and David Carter in New Zealand in 1998 – the country’s only win in the event’s 48-year history.

“I think we’ve got a good chance this year whoever it might be,” said Casey. “Justin’s in front right now but Poults is playing very well this week.

“Whoever it is it doesn’t matter. I’ve played with both of them and finished third with Justin last year in Mexico and fourth with Ian in Japan in 2001. It doesn’t matter as long as whoever it is is playing well.”

Casey and Poulter both shot rounds of seven under par 65 in Cologne yesterday - Rose managing a 69 – but were still five shots off the lead after Fredrik Jacobson’s stunning 60.

Jacobson carded 10 birdies and an eagle at Gut Larchenhof and needed to birdie the last to shoot the first ever 59 on the European Tour – all before Casey had even teed off.

“It’s a bit daunting to have to go out and know you’re already 12 shots behind,” added the 26-year-old from Surrey. “I had the course record here and I was glad he made the putt for 60 because if you’re going to beat it you don’t want him to do it by just one.

“It was funny because one fan shouted out after I finished the ninth, ’Come on Paul, another course record from you,’ and I thought ‘that’s going to be a bit difficult’.”

Poulter played alongside Jacobson and knows he faces a tough task to secure the victory he needs on Sunday to force his way into the team.

“I know what I have to do, I have to win,” said the colourful Poulter. “It is all up in the air but I’ve booked to have my tonsils out two days before the World Cup starts.

“I’m not rightly fussed but I’d love to be in it though.”