If England’s greatest problem is excessive expectation, then the group stages were an unqualified success. First, they deftly deflated expectations with poor performances against the United States and Algeria. Then, by beating Slovenia yesterday, they qualified for the last 16 — but only in second place behind the US. Brazil certainly will not be quaking in their boots. But that’s the beauty of it.
The trick of lowering expectations has great historical pedigree. In 1982, Italy drew their first three games and only sneaked out of their qualifying group — and went on to win the World Cup. England’s triumphant 1966 campaign began with a disappointing draw against Uruguay.
The first target for any England team should, then, be getting written off as no-hopers. The England cricket team that toured Australia in 1986-87 were said to be the worst ever to leave these shores. They returned with the Ashes. Last year, England were written off as chokers after losing the Headingley Test — then won the decider at the Oval. Rugby union tells a similar story. In this month’s tour of Australia, England were declared clueless — and bounced back to share the series.
No wonder everyone is jostling to be the underdog. Consider Andy Murray’s strategic approach to Wimbledon. He has played so badly in recent months that for the first time in living memory the British have abandoned their default position that this, surely, is going to be our year. Instead, Murray snuck into Wimbledon under the radar — much the best place to be.
So England’s World Cup hopes remain very much alive. Just don’t tell anyone. Now that no one expects, England are perfectly placed to do their duty.