Forty days and nights
Friday, 25 June, 2010
Now we know how Noah felt.
To those of you who are just starting to get excited about the World Cup, and perhaps think it is little more than a fortnight old - think again.
Today is 40 days since England gathered together at Heathrow and boarded a flight to Austria. There were 30 players in a provisional squad at that stage, it was a pre-tournament training camp, but for everyone here it was the beginning.
Monday 17 May was the day, the spectre of the ash cloud was looming large over the chances of our flight leaving on time, and Chelsea had added The FA Cup to their Premier League title just two days earlier.
To say that feels like a long time ago is an understatement. For the group of staff, coaches and players here that is the length of time we have now spent together.
Friendly matches, squad announcements, arrival in South Africa and now three group matches are all behind us. Ahead is the tantalising prospect of the first World Cup meeting with Germany in 20 years.
The mood has gone up several notches after the performance and result on Wednesday afternoon, everyone feels refreshed and filled with a great sense of belief.
The welcome we received from all the staff at our Royal Marang hotel base was fantastic. Late in the evening on our return from the Slovenia game, after a flight direct from Port Elizabeth, the dancing and singing outside reception brought a smile to everyone's faces.
Then on Thursday evening we enjoyed a barbecue by the pool, an exciting change of pace for meal time which was only added to by the presence of Zulu dancers who provided the entertainment for the evening.
On Friday morning I spoke with Stuart Pearce and James Milner about the meeting with Germany, both have past experiences to draw upon which could prove crucial come Sunday. I also asked Stuart about Armed Forces day, which falls on Saturday, and he was hugely praiseworthy for the gallant troops who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
Tomorrow we fly to Bloemfontein, the usual pre-match ritual of manager and captain press conference will take place at the stadium and then the talking stops.
As with the Slovenia match we will wear all red, and the match will kick off in late afternoon sunshine. Here's hoping the outcome is the same.
Please feel free to make comments and ask questions below and I will do my best to come back to you, the England players appreciate every bit of support we get from our fans and this is as appropriate a forum as any to send your messages.
Stuart Mawhinney
I just hope that we convert most of the chances into goals.
By saimoon (1 month ago)- Can someone please tell the England goalkeeper the following: The standing foot of the player kicking a penalty points in the direction the ball will go 9 out of 10 times.
I heard this from one of the pundits two world cups ago - possibly Martin O'Neil.By mud doctor (1 month ago)
- Just wanted to say that my whole family will be behind the lads for the game, and we'll all be sweating and nervous as anything. Not sure if I'll sleep much on Saturday night! We're out in Canada, but all from England, and out here there are flags on cars all over, and the pubs are packed for games. It'll be almost impossible to find a seat, you can believe that thousands are behind you just in my city of Calgary! All the best!By Ryan (1 month ago)
- Me again, one thing. I see Glen Johnson is from Dartford. Can you ask him if he was a Gills fan when he was younger? Hopefully he could end his career where he started it, in Kent!By Heady (1 month ago)
- Great to read another blog mate, been waiting for this since Wednesday! Sounds like it was just the fillip we needed after the first two games. Like the sound of the BBQ too, although I imagine the scram on offer was slightly different to the sort of fare I've got planned for my grill on Sunday! ;-) Anyway, all the best to the lads for Sunday. We're behind you all the way.By Heady (1 month ago)
