Fabio Capello - can he bring the World Cup home to England? (Daily Mail images)
New England, and renewed hope. Remember England's past World Cup preparations of typical media 'overhype'? I thought so. It affected Robson, Hoddle, and previously Eriksson as the past managers who were suffocated by the pressures of the nation's expectancy. Under current coach Fabio Capello, this is no different, but his style of leadership of strict professionalism and respect separates him from the previous in a good way.
When he began his reign, the Italian was not philosophical of the side's predicament. The FA deciced to sack Steve McClaren on the grounds of failing to qualify for Euro 2008, and it was left to Capello to pick up the pieces in what was then a very disillusioned and a morale-sapped squad.
What were McClaren's and previosuly before him, Erikkson's failings were their ultimate confidence in team selection. Both had little - Erikkson failed to solve the problem of pairing Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in midfield, in what seemed just as puzzling to him as solving a Rubix Cube, and McClaren reinstated David Beckham and Emile Heskey in his team when both stalwards looked finished and too uncompetitive to pull on the Three Lions shirt.
Under Capello's leadership, however, he began to appeased together the cracks in the team which he has revealed on a countless occasions, team confidence. The team picked itself then after. The master tactician has instilled a squad bonding based on respect - in 2008, it had been learned the team used to eat together in their squad hotel preparing for upcoming internationals, and told them to keep a tight rein on their 'fish & chips and packets of crisps' diet. The squad arguably looks much fitter and motivated than it has ever been.
Wayne Rooney looked rejuvenated during England's World Cup qualification campaign, backed up by topping the scoring charts covering Europe. And Lampard and Gareth Barry has looked much settled at the heart of midfield. Also to an extent, Steven Gerrard has found glimpses of world-class form on the left wing that makes him the virtually unplayable player he is at Liverpool, though many think Capello will need to fine-tune his role by the time the tournament starts in June.
At the back and goalkeeper, there is room for improvement and greater efficiency with the ball from them. Mistakes have been evident, namely from Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson and Robert Green during the past year which have been embarrassingly exposed against weak opposition like Slovenia. The backline were also found wanting against Europe's heavyweights, Holland, and especially with Spain.
We are, by all means, not a perfect harmony like the Three Tenors, but nor we are as bad as Susan Boyle. England has the potential and talent on show to go the distance in South Africa next June, and myself cannot wait to see the moment that the team brings home the trophy that they have every right in deserving for their efforts and endeavor thus far.
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