England must use counter-attack against Italy

There has been a real feel-good factor surrounding England ahead of this World Cup - but now is the time to deliver.

I have a good feeling that, if we produce a positive performance against Italy in our first game, it will set us up nicely for the rest of the tournament.

The temperature in Manaus will play a part in how England perform and, sadly, so will the state of the pitch, which is not good.

For the life of me I cannot see why if you have seven years to build a stadium you don't get the most important thing right, which is the playing surface. I just do not understand how you can make those mistakes.

It is disappointing, but it will be the same for both sides. It might even suit England in a way if it prevents Italy finding any rhythm in their passing but, of course, it might stop Roy Hodgson's side, too.

It is one of those things where England are going to have to deal with it the best that they can, but I am confident the manager will have his team set up in the right way.