Lynch’s side were ranked tenth in the world when they won the World Cup in Japan in 2002, but they won’t have the luxury of being outsiders this time.

"The World Cup in 2002 was absolutely wonderful," said Lynch, who has managed the team since it was launched in 1999. "We played at the same World Cup stadiums in and around Tokyo and won all of our group games easily, including a 21-0 win against Hong Kong.

"The quarter-final against Portugal, which we won 1-0, was the hardest game, before beating Russia 8-1 in the semi and Holland 2-1 in the final - in front of 26,000 fans."

There are eight disability England teams, of which the Learning Disability squad is the most successful.

Learning Disability football is played to normal FIFA rules. To qualify for the side, players must have an intellectual disability, for example have an IQ below the range of 70-75, or be in special education or special employment.

Lynch must use his qualities of management just as much off the pitch to ensure his squad keeps its focus on the tournament.

"It’s certainly a 24/7 job. Because of their learning disability the players have not had much success, particularly in their school life, and that can sometimes mean they have rebellious behaviour. We try to instil the success and show them they can do well in football.

"They can take the discipline that we give them in an organised football environment and take it into the rest of their lives. It’s just simple things like them remembering what time to turn up for meetings or appointments that can be so difficult for them.

"Football has given them contact with other players who have similar disabilities from England and other countries. The players come in with real low self esteem too, but representing their country can give them great confidence."

The World Cup will kick-off on 29 August and after beating France 10-0 earlier this year at home and then beating hosts Germany 6-1 at the end of May, England look in great condition to defend their world title

"Germany seem to have improved with each tournament so they will still be the team to watch out for," added Lynch. "If we take the full squad and the players remain free from injury through the tournament, we have an excellent chance of making the Final."

Stay with TheFA.com for reports from the England camp throughout the World Cup.

Match Schedule

Group B

Friday 1 September - England v Mexico, Eilenriedestadion, Hannover

Monday 4 September - England v South Korea, GuentherVolker Stadion, Celle

Thursday 7 September - England v Hungary, VFL Stadion, Wolfsburg

Quarter-Finals - various venues, 10 September

Semi-Finals - various venues, 12 September

Final - Saturday 16 September Bayarena, Leverkusen