DRAW IS NOT A WIN!

ENGLAND got themselves a good World Cup draw, there’s no doubt.

But the thing about a relatively easy group, the reality of football, is that the games still need to be won.

There’s absolutely no point in fans plotting a kind route to the quarters and beyond, if England then go and fall at the first hurdle.

I’m recalling two draws against the USA and Algeria in 2010 – before the Three Lions crashed out in the first knockout game.

And I’m remembering

2014 when England managed to get one point in finishing bottom of a group topped by Costa Rica. So, believe me, there are no givens.

Which is why there’s absolutely no point in getting carried away, and absolutely no point in playing that game which the fans seem to have been dragged into in the last couple of tournaments... “Is it better to finish second in the group?”

It’s better to win all your games. That way you lift the trophy. I know that’s a pretty basic analysis for a football pundit, but you get my point.

England have a good tournament team, they’ve proven that.

They’ve not played spectacular football in getting to a semi-final and then a final, but they’ve played effective football. Dangerous at set-pieces, solid defensively, creativity up front and a proven goalscorer.

Gareth Southgate will know it’s a good draw, but he knows that means nothing.

He knows more than anyone we’re good at getting carried away in this country, but not so good at actually translating that into trophies.

He knows he’s got a team which has a chance of winning the tournament, but he also knows it’s time for them to show it. Interview: David Maddock