An England fan's perspective on England v Poland

I'm English and used to go to as many England matches as I could. I was at all the Wembley matches in Euro 96, including the final. I would love to see us get to Brazil, and more than that go there and compete skilfully, and have a real go.

Unfortunately, the nature of our league promotes "entertainment" ahead of ability, and where our youngsters get a look in, they are rewarded for having aspects of their game more physical than aesthetic. As such, we do not have enough players of necessary ability to properly compete at the very top table. We have never beaten a proper team in the knockout stages of any major tournament (at least not since the 70s) and that record is unlikely to end in 2014. We may qualify but we will struggle to get out of any decent looking group and we will go as far as the draw takes us (if we are lucky enough to get a poor African side then a mediocre European side in the knockouts we may even repeat 1990s heroics). We will get knocked out by the first proper team we play like normal, although we may take them as far as penalties if our defence holds up.

Moreover, qualification is not yet assured. The prices are ridiculous. Anyone backing England at 1/4 wants their head examining. If you look at our historic results or our results in this group, anyone that thinks the mathematical chances of an England win are greater than 80% is off their rocker, does not understand football, does not understand maths...or all three.

Wanting something to happen for patriotic reasons and betting on a sporting event should not be in any way linked. I want England to win. I want England to qualify, but I can also recognise when a price is distorted, and act accordingly.

England may win (they probably will) but 1.25 is suicide punting. Lay, lay, lay all day. 15/1 or bigger on Poland is a good price too. Laying an England clean sheet is also probably worth it, and some of the correct score prices are unbelievable. Fill your boots, I'm going to.