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While Roy Hodgson's squad selection caused a stir—particularly with his favour for many of the same players who let him down during his Liverpool tenure—with the correct mentality and structure, England can surprise all and finally bring home some pride and possibly some silverware.
The English media have been clamouring for a style beyond the capabilities of the current England players for a few years now, and this has rubbed off onto the fans. After having to watch the fluid and quite simply beautiful football provided by the embarrassment of riches that Spain have at their disposal, it is understandable for people to want it to see it closer to home.
However, it is more than just a coaching style. It is also the Spaniards' culture, their climate and their way of life that encourages such style.
It is a fair accusation to accuse England of becoming "Americanised" in their desire for result—quick and fast. Yet this very desire for results is what hinders the potential for improvement from a grassroots level.
Moving on to the current squad and their chances—as previously mentioned, expectation is at a low. There is no fanfare, no releasing for a song singing of the imminent victory.
These factors may appear minimal, but they certainly help lift the pressure that many England sides have experienced. The England squad itself contains more physicality over finesse and discipline over creativity, but these are the features of a "true" English side.
Chelsea, no matter how fortuitous, have shown the way once again, accepting that the opposition will retain more of the possession, that they have the ability to cut open defences and that they may be more technically gifted. There are no delusions of grandeur. This—while it may not provide the beauty the media has created a demand for—can provide results.
England proved it against Spain in the friendly. It was not pretty, but it was effective, much like Chelsea's second leg at Barcelona.
Sitting deeper, playing as a tight unit, with strength, height, power and pure rugged English determination though the middle, with the pace of Walcott, Young, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Johnson and Cole in the wider positions to counterattack, is the way for English success.
Andy Carroll has had a torrid season at Liverpool, yet there isn't a defender in the competition who will enjoy playing against him. Set pieces have always been a strength on English sides, and they carry much importance again, with Terry, Carroll, Cahill and Gerrard all providing aerial threats.
There is a recipe for success among the England squad, and no matter how unfancied, Roy Hodgson is the perfect chef for the job.
Sepp Blatter and his suspect friends may well be completely against any form of English success, supported by his desire to remove penalties after Chelsea disobeyed his footballing ideologies by winning the Champions League against all odds.
But while England's style may not win many fans, it would certainly provide millions who feel they have earned it after thousands of miles of travelling with the entertainment required if it results in victory.
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