England vs. Slovenia FIFA World Cup 2010: All Is Not Lost for the Three Lions

It amazes me that England can still win their group.

Providing they win by a larger margin against Slovenia than the USA can manage against Algeria, then goal difference would be the deciding factor. A slip up for the Americans and its easy pickings for Capello’s team.

Consequentially, the team would avoid a likely fixture against the hotly tipped Germans. They could forge a credible run and wipe away the anger and disappointment that has plagued their opening two games.

So, let’s think big. Let us not ponder the exit at the group stages for the England team. Instead let’s wish upon a public mauling of the Slovenians that will bring a barrage of praise to the starting 11.

The sort of praise that was expected as the World Cup began and as the team started as one of the favourites.

English teams do comebacks well, after all, even if it is mainly at the club level.

Manchester United came from behind to defeat Bayern Munich in the Champions League, a display that was reproduced in a more dramatic fashion with the infamous Liverpool-AC Milan finale.

The most notable group stage save came in the form of Liverpool’s destruction of Besiktas in 2007. The 8-0 scoreline thrust the Anfield outfit back into the minds of those who had dismissed them as potential winners.

Maybe, just maybe, England could re-establish this stereotype, all be it with a much smaller victory. They can attempt to subvert the negativity that has overshadowed their campaign thus far.

The correct team line up decisions are there to be made.

We should all be in agreement that Fabio Capello would be foolish to start Emile Heskey. In a match that requires a win, and therefore expects goals, the team should not start with someone unable to hit the back of the net.

Wayne Rooney needs to be in the position he plays at Manchester United. There is a reason why his switch to lone man at the front has yielded him plenty of goal mouth action.

It was a shame that injury forced him out of trying to overtake Christiano Ronaldo’s 42 goal tally a couple of years previous.

If a second striker must start then Defoe is the man. Unless Capello had his eyes closed in the last 10 minutes against Algeria, he must recognise the rise in intensity and opportunity that was born out of Defoe’s entrance.

Joe Cole is many peoples choice to gain access to the starting 11.

And it is David James who should continue his reign in goal. His defiant display against Algeria was a well needed confidence boost after Greens’ catastrophic mistake.

He could be the tactical decision that allows England to press forward and be more aggressive in their attacks. They could do so with the prior knowledge that James can halt any counter attacks by the Slovenians.

An early goal is essential. When Gerrard launched into a goal against USA, we must have thought all of our Christmas's had come early.

Lightning surely cant strike twice and an efficient opening builds morale. Conceding a goal is not an option, but would be allowed if England were to gain a two goal deficit.

In the end, a second place group finish would not be a disaster, just as long as they do it with a win. A narrow triumph will push the team further into the competition, but will only allow us to expect a quick knockout exit.

So the heat is on, the world is watching, a nation holds their breath. England can stare adversity in the face and come out the other end amidst renewed optimism and a realistic chance.