A single blow, a moment of inattention, a tiny error, a massive mistake and all your hopes and dreams are in tatters. From nowhere a moments brilliance, a single action can sink you. England play the Lions of Teranga, the champions of Africa, the gifted team from Senegal for a place in the quarter finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Southgates England squad are untried and untested. The group games were not competitive. The team selection is uncertain. Anything can happen and it will. Someone will be going home, no longer taking part in the greatest show on earth.

The England backbone, Pickford, Maguire, Stones, Rice and Kane will be out there. There is talent in all areas. Will the manager get the selection right, will there be a natural balance. Get it wrong and we will be out. Like Germany.

The flags are beginning to appear outside English homes. The nation is tuning in. The young men from our towns and cities will take to the pitch carrying our hopes and dreams. With that burden they have to play with verve and freedom. And never dread the moment.

The prize is winning, striking joy into millions of hearts.

This is a troubled land, this place needs something clean and beautiful to believe in. We are a footballing country, it is everywhere. it’s just a game. No-one gets hurt.

England are good enough. They can win and win, win and finally win for a lifetimes glory. They can. But will they?

There is something about this England.

There is a whisper across the land. Something about its coming home.

Will it become a roar …

COME ON ENGLAND.