Four years ago Danny Mills was playing for Norwich City in the Nationwide First Division.

Today he spoke about England's sensational World Cup victory over Argentina - a match in which he played a pivotal role. That's what you call progress.

That said Danny is a level-headed as they come and, despite the obvious temptation to reflect on the glory of our victory over Argentina, he is still very much focused on the Nigeria clash.

With people understandably wanting to hype up England's chances, Danny gave a stark reminder that we've only won one game as yet.

"Senegal beat France. Does that mean they're going to win the World Cup?" he asked rhetorically.

"Obviously the team is very pleased and, on a personal level, hopefully I've showed that I have learned one or two lessons.

"The lads are confident and obviously the win against Argentina is a real confidence booster but it means nothing if we don't go on and qualify."

Danny will certainly not be underestimating the threat that Nigeria will pose on Wednesday.

"It could be a case of the wounded animal," he said.

"They won't want to go home not having won a game at the World Cup.

"They can go out and play relaxed and without any fear and sometimes that's very dangerous."

The heat of mid-afternoon in Osaka is also likely to play a part but Danny is pragmatic about the conditions.

"We've no choice but to deal with it," he admitted.

"They'll be no place to hide but we've been out here for a while so hopefully it won't have too much of an effect.

"We've just got to do the same things that we did against Argentina."

Danny's lung-busting runs down the right flank have been a major attacking asset for us in the two games but the full back knows where his priorities lie.

"First and foremost I'm a defender, anything going forward is a bonus," he said modestly.

And what does Danny make of his burgeoning partnerships with Becks down the right flank?

"We haven't played with each other too often on a regular basis before so we're still learning but it's been good so far." Yes, you could say that.

From Daniel Freedman in Awaji