England have flattered to deceive in their warm-up matches prior to this coming World-Cup – but one thing that has remained consistent is their winning streak.
Performances against Mexico and Japan have not been up to scratch and have left many arguing whether England will be able to get away with playing like that against the bigger and better sides.
For me, however, after forty-four years of hurt, I'm not about to start becoming critical of an England side that goes on to win the biggest tournament in football.
Okay, I'm not saying that England will win the World-Cup for definite – in fact there is a long way to go before we can even contemplate that.
Yet, should England win the tournament based solely on own-goals from opposition players, narrow one-nil victories against inferior opposition and disputed penalties – I really will not be complaining.
England's arch rivals, Germany have never been truly credited with 'total football', which is easy on the eye, and an exhibition. No, they have been effective.
And that is all England need to be.
Chelsea did not win the Premier League this season by playing the most attractive football – Arsenal will claim that title. No, they got the most points.
Winning games is the be all and end all in a knock-out tournament and there is no time for putting on a show if you are simply not capable of it.
England are not like Spain, Argentina and Holland – they are never going to assemble thirty-pass build-ups, finishing with a delicate chip over the goal keeper.
Yes, that is what we see in the Premier League every weekend – but that is no true representation of English football in general.
The Premier League is a show of talents from all over the world. English football is never likely to produce a Cesc Fabregas, Dimitar Berbatov or Carlos Tevez – but we will produce players who are just as good.
Perhaps we seem to forget that the turning point in 1966 was a controversial decision by the linesman.
And just look at our lower leagues. Since when have Southend, Millwall and Notts County played beautiful football? Their teams are comprised mainly of English players.
I'm not suggesting here that the way Southend United play is a good alternative to trying to be a bit more like Arsenal – but you cannot forget your roots.
On 11 July, if England are facing Brazil, and win with a deflected header scored by Peter Crouch after a hoof forward by David James, you know what, I will be so proud. Even if Brazil did have ninety percent of the possession!
