Tonight sees England take on age-old nemesis, Poland, in the final qualifier for next year's World Cup in Brazil. A win for Egland will see them automatically qualify for the tournament.
Although the Three Lions sit top of Group H, it most probable that anything less than a victory over Poland will see them slump to second place. England are only one point ahead of Ukraine who play San Marino tonight (the Group's whipping boys).
Alot has been said about England's international record over the past decade, but the performance against Montenegro on Friday will buoy much of the nation's supporters. In this game, Roy Hodgson's men were emphatic, attacking and dominant.
Yet saying that, many will approach this game with caution. England have history with Poland - most notably the game that denied us entry to the 1974 World Cup - so it is fair that an aura of apprehension surrounds the game.
England do have an exciting mix of experience and young talent amongst their ranks. If Hodgson picks the same side that started on Friday (and why wouldn't he), there is no reason why England should enter this game a favorites.
Quite obviously Poland have talent in both attack and defense - most notably in the shape of Robert Lewandowski and Southampton's goalkeeper Artur Boruc. However, England have stars with Premier League calibre that should be able to deal with this.
It is all so very English to downplay what we are expecting from the game today but I will go against the grain and make a bold statement... I predict a 3 - 1 win for the Three Lions.
