Tuesday night may show how well that “break” turned out
However, it will at least allow us to make a judgement on how well the manager’s decision to give the players and himself worked out.
That was always the plan – a fortnight’s holiday before returning to training – and the big question we want answering is whether the players remain fit and firing.
The decision to hold a World Cup in the middle of winter has seen the football loving public dis-engaging from the competition.
The lack of St George’s flags hanging outside houses and from cars despite England;s successes makes it clear that is the case.
It will be good to see the boys back in action but what we don’t expect is to see them going through the motions.
Given the apparent lack of energy in performances before the break it is to be hoped that we see the lads really demonstrating they are bang up for it – rested and re-energised.
This is not like those pre season get fit affairs. We need to see a team fully fit and firing.