Simon Parker column

The phoney war is over. The beer is bulging out of the fridge, the office sweep is full up (Italy, in case you’re wondering), the car flags are hanging limp in the drive.

Tonight, thankfully, sees the final England friendly against the mighty Honduras. Then it’s down to business.

From Thursday onwards, don’t even think of cold-calling our front room. Nobody’s home – or not to the outside world, anyway.

But this summer’s World Cup has a different feel to its predecessors. English expectation, for once, is at a manageable level.

That makes a refreshing change from the traditional trumpet-blowing that accompanies every tournament campaign – and the raspberries that follow when it is over all too quickly.

I also find myself actually quite ‘liking’ this current squad. The usual prima-donna count seems a lot lower than usual, that’s if you don’t count the commentary box.

Without sounding like a cheerleader, I think England could surprise us.

The make-up of Roy Hodgson’s squad suggests a group keen to express themselves and show they are worthy of competing on the game’s biggest stage.

There is less of the ‘let’s see your medals’ mentality from a collection of superstars doing everyone a favour by giving up their summer.

This lot look like they are genuinely privileged to be wearing the Three Lions. They are out there for the right reasons.

Not before time, Hodgson has removed England’s heads from the clouds and helped the team to reconnect with an increasingly jaundiced public. As such, they can be assured an easier ride from supporters who won’t immediately equate success or otherwise on the pitch with the affluence off it.

England are far from world-beaters – but that’s not to say they cannot make their mark on Brazil. As long as they don’t knock out the Italians along the way ...