Fleetwood Town to World Cup glory – The Jamie Vardy show
By Josh Curnock
Positive England at the World Cup
A lot has been made about the openness of the England camp and access to the players and staff alike to the fans and media.
Barring the team sheet leak the other day it seems from outside, to be the best atmosphere around an England squad at a major tournament since I can remember.
Many of the players have also spoke about positive atmosphere around camp. Vardy also backs this up in his recent comments.
"“Hopefully it will continue that way but you can see how we all are” “Everyone is relaxed, everyone is in a good mood. We’re all having a laugh and a joke and to be honest with you that is how it should be.” “I think that just shows how we all are and how the set up is. Even at our hotel everyone is so relaxed, everyone is in a good place. We know that when it comes to training for games it is 110 per cent commitment but we know we can chill out and have a bit of fun.” Jamie Vardy – Sky Sports"
Despite the relaxed atmosphere around the England camp their focus is still firmly on their next opponents Panama.
Gareth Southgate and his team will have the squad well prepared for task against the resilient opposition, especially after seeing them in action against Belgium.
The Central Americans will provide a physical battle for Southgate’s men and the Englishmen will need to be wary of any provocations from Panama after Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was left unhappy with some of the strong challenges on his players.
Harry Maguire has spoken ahead of the tie, urging his teammates to keep their cool and their composure. In a report by Sky Sports Maguire says:
"“Discipline is going to be a big part of the game on Sunday. They might want to frustrate us or make people angry, but we’ve got to keep our cool and keep calm.” “If they are continuously fouling us, we can’t react in a bad way. Hopefully it’s going to be good game and we can impose our attacking threat on them as well as the physical side, try to get the ball down on the deck and create chances that way.” “I’m a big lad myself, so I feel I can handle myself in a battle.” Harry Maguire – Sky Sports"
Standing at 6 foot 4 inches Maguire certainly has the physicality to cope with any battle on the pitch.
However will Foxes fans see Vardy in action for England tomorrow? If he makes his World Cup debut, he will be going all out to continue the Jamie Vardy party.
Next: Preview - Sensational England up against steely Panama