Anything less than a win for the Three Lions will almost certainly see them crash out of the tournament at the group stages for the first time since 1958.

Reported tension in the training camp and disagreements between manager Fabio Capello and former captain John Terry has left the Slovenian team confident they can beat England, who are15 places higher than them in the FIFA world rankings.

But despite their slow start to the tournament the loyal army of England supporters were in positive mood ahead of the match.

On the palm fringed promenade supporters meeting up for a morning stroll talked up the team’s chances.

Paul Milner, 47, a power station engineer from Doncaster said: “What we want to see is some passion, that is what has been lacking, but I am sure they are ready now.

“I honestly believe we are going to win and win well. I reckon 2 – 0 at least. I drove down from Durban last night, it took 12 hours and I am really tired but also really excited. The 2010 World Cup starts now for England.”