I want to see more energy. I want to see more belief. I want to see more players being prepared to take the opposition on rather than take the easy way out and pass sideways or backwards. And if we can do all that then we should come away with a really, really positive result and performance.

The big question here is: Which version of Anthony Barry will turn up at half-time? Will we get the ‘this isn’t good enough…we need to sort it out’ version from the first game in Dallas? Or the ‘no panic…it’s fine’…alter ego who changed tack on the half-time mic in Boston. I mean it would be good if England didn’t need any help midway through the game…but let’s see.

Legions of photographers have just taken their slots bang in front of both dugouts. We may be in for another Thomas Tuchel rant after the game. Let’s hope that’s all he has to complain about!

There’s not much that looks good in the pouring rain but the MetLife Stadium really is rather a drab place. It’s a giant bowl in an urban wasteland. I’m struggling to think of redeeming features. It’s big. It has escalators. That’s about it. Shame the final’s here and not the Azteca. 

The pitch at the MetLife looks really poor. It’s been criticised already through this tournament, notably by France coach Didier Deschamps, and the heavy rain we’ve had in New Jersey today should make it that bit heavier. Again, not great for those England players with existing little niggles.

Tonight should prove instructive as to where England are at in terms of their injury situation. Can they deal with the absence of Reece James? They have to find a way.

And then it’ll be interesting to see how fresh Bukayo Saka looks, his first start of the tournament. Elliot Anderson has had a glute issue, too. None of it feels particularly straightforward.

I like this England XI, but I would also worry a little that Thomas Tuchel seems uncertain as to what his best team is… five changes speak to that, even though one is enforced and one is because Declan Rice is in need of a rest.

Saying that, teams do evolve through a tournament and I don’t think any of us would disagree with Rashford and Saka being an upgrade on Gordon and Madueke based on the first two matches.