When Steven Gerrard leads England out on to the dry surface of the Arena Amazonia on Saturday, he will be brimming with pride, and more importantly - he will be full of confidence that his men can beat Italy.
England have left no stone unturned in preparation for this Group D game. Sports scientists, video analysts, nutritionists and a world-renowned psychiatrist have been recruited to make sure England go into the game in the best condition possible.
Roy Hodgson and his 23-man squad have clocked up more than 12,000 miles travelling to Portugal, London and Miami to take part in friendlies against Peru, Honduras and Ecuador. Sweat pads, heat chambers, industrial fans and ice baths have been used to help the players be in the best physical shape when they step out into the sweltering Manaus heat.