DESPITE tough ties against the footballing behemoths of the USA and Algeria, England remain undefeated.

But the Group C underdogs have to beat mighty Slovenia this afternoon if we’re to progress to our inevitable penalty shoot-out with Germany.

Can we do it? In the immortal words of both Barack Obama and Bob the Builder, yes we can. And I’ll give you five good reasons why… 1. We’re on the BBC. Sorry ITV, but let’s face it, you’re cursed when it comes to England. Since 1982 England have only won 30 per cent of games exclusive to ITV, and yet have won 60 per cent of those on the BBC only. According to no less a respected source than the internet, we’ve only ever conceded TWO goals in the World Cup when shown on the Beeb alone.

And you thought Andy Townsend’s punditry was the only reason to call for a ban on ITV showing the footie.

2. We can’t play as badly as we did against Algeria. Seriously, it’s not possible, is it? Even for England, performances like that come along thankfully rarely, and I’m sure the coaching staff and players have been working hard to ensure things will go a lot better this time out. Honest.

3. We’re not France. No matter how much the red-tops try and spin it as such, John Terry saying he thinks Joe Cole should be in the team does not constitute a mutiny. Apart from Ledley King, who rarely trains even when he is injury-free, everyone has happily turned out to work on preparing for Slovenia. No Anelka-style tirades or Gallic sulks here. And hopefully no copying our near-neighbour’s dismal defeat yesterday.

4. We’re wearing red. Yes, Fabio is invoking The Spirit of 1966, the Thin Red Line, Double Decker Buses, Old Telephone Boxes, etc, by kitting England’s heroes out in our second-choice colours for the big game. It’s not like Slovenia play in white and we just lost the coin toss, it’s a cunning tactical ploy to boost morale.

5. We’ve been here before. Let’s face it, England aren’t new to these situations. We had a terrible start in both 1986 and 1990, needing to win our last group game, and went on to do quite well. Yes, I know we had better squads on both occasions, but that experience has to count for something.

So believe. And shout for England this afternoon, because we can do it.

Hopefully in style, with the sort of play that makes those of us watching on proud to be English.

Because if we go out, I’ll be disappointed. But if we play with fear, and take the next plane home having failed to even try, it’ll feel a lot worse.