CHEER WE GO ... England celebrate after Lamps sinks Spain

ENGLAND'S young guns did the nation proud on Saturday — but let's not kid ourselves we're the finished article just yet.
Yes, it was fantastic to see the likes of Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Kyle Walker getting involved against the world champions.

And it was great to see Scotty Parker getting about the Spanish midfield as he did, and giving us such a platform to build from.

But when the dust settles, and everyone's feet are back on the ground again, we've got to make sure they stay there. For the moment at least.

No one loves England more than me and, of course, we have to make the most of coming out on top against the best team on the planet.

Yet I really hope we don't start thinking we're ready to mix it with the best on a regular basis all of a sudden.

For the fact of the matter is we are not. And having seen how quickly expectations can rocket to totally unrealistic proportions, we must realise it.

I'm not trying to pour cold water on what was, regardless of the context, a fantastic result.

But we have to temper it with a hefty dose of realism — and accept this was a small step on the road to where we ultimately want to be.

I must say the omens for the future do look good with such a wealth of youngsters making the step up. And don't forget we've not even mentioned the likes of Tom Cleverley and, in particular, Jack Wilshere who have done superbly well so far.

Cleverley has been unlucky to get crocked, because he'd definitely have figured against Spain, while Jack's own injuries could actually turn into a blessing for Arsenal and England.

If his rehab is done right, he could be coming back fit and fresh at the business end of the season — and be one of the freshest men on the plane for the finals.

I have been especially impressed by Phil Jones, who we all know was played out of position in midfield, but gave a really mature performance.

I'd say Jones is a cert to make the squad for the Euros.

It would be like taking three players, as he can also slot in at right-back, as well as his favoured role in central defence.

And the fact Sturridge and Welbeck are getting regular action for clubs who will be shooting it out for trophies at the end of the season is another massive plus.

It's one thing showing you can cope in the Premier League but it's another thing entirely to do so when you've got big games, big atmospheres and big pressure every week.

These lads have taken that in their stride and really look capable of handing it all.

But don't let's start believing we can take on anyone at football and beat them — it has to be on our terms.

We're not going to outplay the likes of Spain, Brazil and Germany in serious competition, because that's just not the English way. We're not a team who will take a dozen passes to reach halfway, carve a side open and walk it into the net.

What England have to do is play it OUR way. And by that I mean with pace, pressure and passion.

Talking of which, incidentally, it was great to see so many of them actually singing the National Anthem on Saturday, rather than a row of stoney faces, but that's another story.

I'm not saying lump a long ball forward all the time, just to play to our strengths — high tempo, finding the channels, and getting it into the box for the front men to get on the end of things.

We haven't got an Iniesta or a Xavi in there, we can't rely on a Messi to get us out of a sticky situation.

But when it comes to endeavour and a willingness to run your nut

I do feel for Fabio Capello a bit because, with all the foreigners in our game, he can pick from only about a third of the Premier League. Everyone will doubtless expect us to roll Sweden over tonight but we've got to be careful because they'll be desperate to beat the team who have just beaten the world champions.

Fabio's got to make sure the lads are all up for it again, and that starts with hard work — because we have to accept England DO give the ball away a lot. So, yes, let's revel in the glory of our 1-0 win over Spain... to a point. And let's embrace the youth for giving us a future which does look rosier than maybe many felt.

But, first of all, just see how far we go in those Euros next summer, without telling the rest of football we're the best in the business.

If this crop do carry on making such strides, then of course there will come a time when we will rightfully feel we are a nation to be feared once more.

Yet, for now, I'd prefer to see this used as a foundation, a springboard for the promise of better times ahead.

And, let's be honest, after Spain on Saturday there can be no better place to start...