delete

Welbeck has put in plenty of decent shifts in an England shirt. I wish he could reproduce the same in a Utd shirt.

Don't get all the Welbeck hate though, no let's take a chance on someone with limited International experience instead.

If England play at a high tempo and pace I can see them causing trouble that's a big if though

A lot of optimism surrounding England all of a sudden. Its refreshing given all the pessimism over the past 6 months. England good have shortened amongst all bookies, over the past 48 hours it seems 80-90% of people are expecting a positive result, sounds good!

I am so nervous

Go and make a brew then. A cuppa usually calms the nerves .

Me too, Mrs Teapot I've watched every game so far, but I'm seriously considering skipping this one, my nerves can't take it!!!!

Trouble is, if I skip this game and they win, I have to skip all their games or they will lose. But then again, if I stick this out and they win, I have to watch all their games, and I might not survive it! I am pathetic

Can England assume the leadership of the group from......Costa Rica?!?!

Well the complexion of things has certainly changed in the last hour. Both teams would be wise to push for the win now to capitalise on Uruguay's failure. They've been given an unexpected opportunity here to start very strongly. A draw would be letting them off the hook and would not really help either of them, especially considering Costa Rica would be holding the cards going into game two.

Evening Mrs T.

I'm in a state of nervous excitement. Our group just interesting with Costa Rica throwing a spanner in the works!

Same here - got the butterflies!

Keep positive, no matter what. Just like Costa Rica in the second half.

I have low expectations to limit my disappointment.

The BBC Connected Red Button now has pre match pictures from within the stadium on with BBC 5Live on audio.

I've got me vino chilling


Lmao, I see the logic there but it took a while. You have to watch, I will spend it behind a cushion shouting at the TV

I have this horrible feeling that this is how it's going to go for us :

Italy 2-0 England

Uruguay 0-1 England

Costa Rica 2-1 England

And we will exit in the group stages

i hope I'm wrong though

We hope your wrong!!!!

Calm down everyone. Sturridge is going to rip through the Italian defense. I can feel it my waters.

There's something about Roy Hodgson that doesn't inspire confidence. I dunno... wasn't he sacked as Liverpool manager cos he was... er a bit crap? I believe so.

I know it's standard procedure for Premier League managers to get sacked after they lose a few matches , but, playing devil's advocate, you could argue if he's not good enough for Liverpool how the heck is he good enough for England?!

Still, you never know what can happen. We might win tonight but I can't see Hodgson as the right guy for England. Another no-hoper, I suspect.

Very promising team up front. I'm nervous about the back tho. Just hope dropping the experience of Terry won't come back to haunt us.

Will be very interesting to see how Rooney performs as I think a lot of pressure will now be off him with our other strike options.

Not long now, FORZA INGLATERRA!

I have faith.

I believe.

I have a bloody bet on! C'mon lads! £25 is mine if you win!

Hi you two,

I didn't watch the Costa Rica match as I'm too jumpy

Yep, let's be positive Janine (oops)

WE CAN DO IT

Evening all, (even Mrs T)

I'm going to send psychic positive vibes through the tv so we've got nowt to worry about.

The National Anthem roars. The pressure builds. All is at stake.

Total confidence - no regrets. Time to risk everything...

1. England haven't lost yet
2. Do you really think it's the manager's fault that England aren't like totes amazing?