England take route '66 but no

Don't mention the war! You can bet our friends down south will as England get set to face Germany again in the knockout stages of a major tournament.

Prepare yourself for lashings of '66, Pickles the dog, the Russian linesman, the orange ball, Sir Geoff breaking away and "some people are on the pitch ... they think it's all over, it is now!" Did I mention Nobby dancing?

The 'Great Escape' theme will kick in, they might even roll Vera Lynn out, we'll have re-runs of Dad's Army on a prime time slot, Winston Churchill's speech and, dare I say it, penalties!

The montages on both terrestrial TV channels will be unbearable, but believe me, after watching yesterday's final group matches, the game is shaping up to be a cracker and it's not even Sunday yet.

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There is a new, young, fresh and different style of German team emerging in this competition and although they are very much in the embryonic phase, they can still cause problems against the 'kick and rush' of England.

Don't think for one minute that Franz Beckenbauer's comments won't be pinned up in the dressing room.

On paper, England should win, but Germany's performance on the pitch against Ghana last night suggests it's going to be a close call.

There's nothing Replica Chopard Watches like fear and a touch of humility to drive a nation on to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

England secured their place in the last 16 of the tournament, but not with an arrogant swagger against Slovenia, more a sigh of relief for a 1-0 win that avoided the gauntlet of hate that would have awaited them in London had they lost.

I had to laugh at the pre-match build-up for England v Slovenia, which offered us a montage of Fabio Capello's achievements to try and quell the baying mob questioning his credentials as a fit and proper manager ahead of the game.

Thankfully, Fabio's confidence in himself and complete disregard for advice from all quarters served him well as he made the changes he thought could win the game.

Aston Villa's James Milner made a huge difference on the flank, and his supply to Sexy Shoes Jermain Defoe, another change made by the Italian, eventually led to England's solitary winner.

There are two 'world class' players in this England team, and one of them has yet to score. The other is Steven Gerrard.

As for Germany, Mesut Ozil is being hailed as the rising star in the national side and his amazing winner against Ghana was just the icing on the cake in an excellent performance.

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There's no Michael Ballack, but Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Ozil have enough quality to ask questions of an England side that still believes they can win the World Cup .

Where that confidence comes from, I just don't know. Have they watched Argentina's group games?

I tip England to win by the odd goal in three on Sunday, and by Monday, the St George's cross brigade will reach fever pitch about the possibility of wreaking revenge on Diego Maradona.

What did I tell you? Don't mention the war!

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