By the fact we are runners up in the group we find ourselves in the difficult half of the draw. If we make it past Germany, we will face Argentina or Mexico in the quarter finals. The USA, the group winners have to contend with Ghana, and then the winners of Uruguay and South Korea. That we got out of the group is good, but let’s realise we have given ourselves a lot to do. We are ranked 8th in the World, to realise our World ranking we have to make it to the quarter finals.
Germany are a work in progress and have some good players and of course the indominatable German spirit. It will be a tough game. Whilst we celebrate our victory yesterday, we should not get carried away. Progress from the group was of course the major aim in the first phase. To not make it as group winners can be seen as a failure. Not a major failure but nonetheless we find ourselves with the prospect of playing some very tough teams. If we are to progress, the players and the manager will have to step up a gear and play some World class football. Without being over optimistic, the bar has been raised, but it is not beyond our capabilities. We will have to see the England team that we believe exists and can take on the best, and most importantly win. A winning attitude has to prevail.
