TWO weeks ago, in this column, I spoke of how England football teams often seemed to be beaten before they got on the field.

Well, they certainly came good against Germany on Saturday. One thing that struck me about their performance is that they seemed one of the most positive teams to go onto a football pitch, and it has been like that ever since Sven Goran Eriksson took over.

There is no doubt that many of our footballers are as good as any in the world, but because they have been overawed by the occasion, they have not played to their potential.

But it seems that Eriksson and his assistant Steve McClaren, the Middlesbrough manager, are doing what is important, and that is preparing. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail and the mental work is as important as the physical, and the result was that, on Saturday, the team was more likely to express itself.

It is just like doing an exam: if you have done the preparation and keep your nerve, you have a chance of passing. You have got to give the team credit but you have also got to give Eriksson credit.

It was a great victory, but it is important to remember that a team is only as good as its last result. While I'm sure the team won't be resting on its laurels, the same can't be said for some of the media.

The reaction to Saturday's result has been fantastic and it has even been suggested that Eriksson should be given an honorary knighthood. This is in complete contrast to the treatment meted out to other England managers, who, after a short honeymoon period, have generally been slated.

I have no doubt that Eriksson is experienced enough to know he has got to keep it going or the press will turn on him, but it is interesting to compare him with one of his predecessors, Sir Alf Ramsey.

Ramsey was knighted after he won the World Cup, he was the people's favourite, but in the end he got the sack because he couldn't maintain it.

So, while what is happening with the England team at the moment is wonderful, we have got to be careful.

And there is another man who should not be forgotten - Kevin Keegan. Although he had some bad press, he was an honest man and he knew he couldn't take the team any further forward and so he stood aside.

I don't believe it was because he didn't have the backbone. I believe he felt he had taken the team as far as he could. I think it was a harder decision for him to leave than it would have been to stay.

JUST as England bounced back after their defeat against Holland a few weeks ago, I hope Middlesbrough can bounce back after their poor start to the season. Over the next few weeks, we're going to see what motivational influence Steve McClaren has and how positive Middlesbrough can be.

But it is not just the team that has got to perform. The crowd has got to get behind the team, just as people have got behind England.

WHEN I was growing up, there were five commentators whose names were indelibly linked with football: Kenneth Wolstenholme, David Coleman, Barry Davis, John Motson and Brian Moore. Sadly Brian Moore died on Saturday, just a few hours before England's victory. I feel sure he will be looking down on us all with a big smile on his face.

Published: 06/09/2001