There are certain things that fans are guaranteed to be subjected to during the build up to a modern day World Cup.

Constant scaremongering about injuries to key men, detailed tours of a team’s base-camp facilities and continued speculation about the harmony (or rather disharmony) within the squad.

And while the aforementioned subplots have once again been content-rich, this time around, one aspect of the build up to South Africa 2010 has been conspicuous in its absence, and that is the lack of expectation amongst the English media and support.

In fact, many in England have been scratching their heads over the past two weeks, wondering where the traditional, overly-optimistic hype surrounding the nation’s chances has escaped to.

Compared to 2002 and 2006, there is unquestionably a more cautious mood being adopted throughout the nation, and the reason for it is quite simply that unlike the World Cup squads that have proceeded them, this group of Englishman have failed to make the dreamers dream.

Somewhat ironically, despite what was unanimously accepted as a faultless qualifying campaign, this England side have arrived at the tournament’s start in uninspiring shape.

In goal, it is worryingly still unclear as to who will start against the USA, though suffice to say that whoever of Robert Green, Joe Hart or David James does get the nod, question marks will remain.

At the back, the loss of Rio Ferdinand didn’t so much as create a problem, rather it exasperated one. For months there has been consternation over the physical state and form of every single centre back eventually selected, and the result is that England are likely to start the competition with a pairing who have never played alongside each other in a competitive fixture.

Further afield, despite Capello’s best efforts for two years, the Gerrard-Lampard conundrum remains unresolved.  While up-front, England’s over-reliance on Wayne Rooney is frightening, particularly when one considers the unpredictable nature of his fiery temperament and the lack of alternatives on the bench.

There is hope however, and that lies within the meticulous mind of England’s Italian coach. For in Fabio Capello, the team has a manger far superior than his predecessors who over the past three tournaments lead England’s golden generation along a road to nowhere.

Forget Wayne Rooney, Capello is England’s talisman and despite the holes in the squad, he is good enough to propel what is an ordinary team into the realms of extraordinary achievement.

Unlike the days of Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, Capello commands the respect of the entire squad, and as a result, will be able to squeeze the maximum out of whatever side he chooses to play.

Jose Mourinho showed this season in the Champions League that managerial traits of ruthless discipline, attention to detail and acute tactical awareness are enough to produce a team more capable than the individuals that form its constitution.

Fortunately for England, Capello too has this virtue, which is why despite going to the World Cup with their worst squad in 12 years, England fans have a reason to believe.