England can win the World Cup believes David Flitcroft

That is the firm view of Mansfield Town manager David Flitcroft, who is enjoying watching the big names stumble and a fresh, new-look England shine so far.

He said: “It’s great watching the press and the media get round it.

“I am a massive England fan. I love the country and I love watching England play.

“What has been brilliant is seeing a manager be brave to not pick the old guard and the older, experienced players.

“I think the blend looks good. Jesse Lingard looks like the glue in terms of someone who energises the group. He’s got Jordan Henderson in there too and there is almost no fear at the minute.

“They can score from set pieces as well. So in a tight game they’ve got that opportunity.

“We might get to the quarter-finals or semi-finals stage and win it from a set piece.”

He added: “The football they are playing and the bravery Gareth has shown – it’s just brilliant.

“Speaking to England fans and how much they are enjoying watching it, we’ve all got that excitement.

“Yes, they can win it for sure. Argentina are not the force. But there are some surprise packages. Columbia are a good team.

“There are still some teams in there that could upset and surprise us.

“But we definitely all think we could potentially win it and that’s the big thing for me – that belief.”