Roy Hodgson has told his young Lions they can light up the World Cup just like Pele did 46 years ago.
After three weeks of extensive preparation, the big moment has finally arrived for England.
Hodgson’s youthful-looking side will take on four-time world champions Italy in their opening World Cup match in Manaus tonight with a huge vote of confidence from their manager ringing in their ears.
Just three of the expected England starting XI have played at a World Cup before, but Hodgson sees that as a help, rather than a hindrance.
The England manager may have just been 11 at the time, but he remembers the way in which an unknown Brazilian teenager called Pele dazzled during his first World Cup in Sweden almost half a century ago.
And Hodgson now believes the opportunity is there for the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley to do the same in the birthplace of the most famous footballer of all time.
“I’m not afraid of giving youth a chance,” the England manager said.
"We’ve only to think back to 1958 and Pele bursting on to the scene as a 17-year-old. He went on to dominate football and become one of the most, if not the most, famous footballer of all time.
“When he came to Sweden in 1958 he wasn’t even well-known in Brazil. A month later he’s a superstar and went on to be an even greater superstar.
“You’ve seen plenty of examples in the World Cup; (Diego) Maradona was very young when he first started playing for Argentina. Johan Cruyff was another one when he was dominating European football for Holland.”
When England were knocked out of Euro 2012 by Italy, Hodgson’s team were on the back foot for the majority of the match.
Italy, thanks to the brilliant artistry of midfielder Andrea Pirlo, dominated possession and failed to test Gianluigi Buffon in the Italy goal.
Yet the Three Lions’ focus has recently shifted towards countering dangerous young striker Ciro Immobile.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti and Napoli’s enterprising forward Lorenzo Insigne offer Roy Hodgson further food for thought in a new-look side, but Italy boss Cesare Prandelli knows where the true quality operates in his team.
Prandelli said: “It goes without saying that players like Pirlo and Buffon are essential to any coach, because they have so much quality to offer and the right attitude.
“It’s also great to have the enthusiasm and creativity offered by the younger players. They bring a little bit of exuberance to the side and they can do the unexpected.
“We’ve freshened up the team and that’s exactly what we’re looking for at this World Cup.”
LIKELY LINE-UPS
England (4-2-3-1)
Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge
Italy (4-1-4-1)
Buffon; Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Veratti, Marchisio; Balotelli
PLAYERS TO WATCH
England – Wayne Rooney
All the negative talk in the build up to England's preparations has been around the form of Rooney and whether he warrants a place in England's starting XI. The feeling is that it is now or never for the Man Utd striker at a World Cup, England and Rooney will be hoping he can show his true colours and lead his nation to glory..
Italy – Andrea Pirlo
His heir-apparent is likely to be by his side in Marco Verratti, but Pirlo will be the man controlling everything for the Italians both in terms of pace and possession. A master of the midfield art, Pirlo will be the man England need to nullify.
PREDICTION
An incredibly tough game to call. It will no doubt be a tight affair with both teams desperate not to lose rather than go all out to ensure an early victory. A score draw is a safe option but the odd goal could nick it for either team, we're backing England to win 2-1.
