Triumph of quiet leadership for England soccer and its new Roy of the Rovers

By Alec Hogg

Having grown up with Roy of the Rovers comics fanning an obsession for the beautiful game, I was absorbed by Monday night's England v Tunisia World Cup tussle. Mostly to see whether disdain which English fans (and its media) have for their national team is justified. Because it's getting ever harder to understand.

A poll before the tournament showed only 7% of Englishmen believe the team can win the World Cup, with UK bookmakers offering juicy odds of 16/1 on a repeat of England's 1966 triumph. Maybe it's reverse psychology. Because after Monday, even the darkest sceptics must admit something very positive is happening.

Along with their coach Gareth Southgate, England's team – the youngest at the World Cup – has progressed as a unit through the age groups. They embody rejuvenation at this, the most important level. In June England's Under-20 won their World Cup at the 21st attempt. In October, the Under-17s beat Spain to also win theirs for the first time.

But what I really liked about England's victory on Monday was the example of captain Harry Kane. He dusted himself off from unpenalised rugby-type tackles to score the goals that mattered. England soccer last enjoyed such quiet leadership 62 years ago under legendary Bobby Moore. Maybe Kane also reads Roy of the Rovers.