TheFA.com's Insider reflects on the last few days and a trip to Cape Town.
Change can be perceived as a blessing or a curse. A movement in a different direction can be for the better or the worse, but for England I believe this change has come at the right moment.
After 14 days and nights in the Royal Marang Hotel, a change of scenery has come in the form a short flight south to Cape Town. New surroundings and new experiences.
The small plane boarded on Thursday morning was cosy for everyone, but the atmosphere was positive with the anticipation of a fresh start in the form of a few days by the coast.
The approach into Cape Town as we started our descent was an incredible sight; table mountain to one side of the plane and the ocean to the other, a vibrant city in between bordering both monuments of geography.
While everyone will be aware of whose birthday it is today, it should be mentioned that yesterday was masseur Paul Small's big day - he even got a mention by the pilot during our flight. There have been a few birthdays from Steven Gerrard turning 30 on the day we played Japan, to Stefano Tirelli and Dave Hancock recently, and Frank Lampard will also join the growing list on Sunday.
After a smooth landing, the coach took us to our hotel, where we will stay until Saturday and lunch was served on arrival. From the meal room, there is a fantastic view of table mountain, although most people's eyes were on Argentina as they put four past South Korea in the lunchtime game.
The players retired to their rooms to rest ahead of departure for the training session at Green Point Stadium, which is somewhat reminiscent of Arsenal's home ground. The closeness of the fans to the pitch will certainly aid the atmosphere, as I'm sure will the number of English supporters already here in the city.
The last session before England take on Algeria was crisp, under floodlights and in cool early evening the players showed quiet determination as they prepare for a critical second match. As Wayne Rooney said on Wednesday, there was no fear against USA and that remains the case.
No nerves, no fear, just quiet optimism. There is belief and a camaraderie within the ranks, and hopefully that will be demonstrated on the pitch tonight.
Mexico proved last night just how unpredictable this tournament can be, as did Switzerland. 32 separate groups of players and coaches have worked for their entire lives to be here. They each arrived here carrying the hopes of an entire nation, and the knowledge that they may never have the opportunity on such a grand stage again.
In such competitive circumstances there are no guarantees, nothing will come without a ferocious struggle. And even when a team possesses the most talent, the best organisation and all the hunger to win - fate can intercede and send them off course. It is a cruel game, but it is the experience and suffering that makes victory all the sweeter.
The final steps will be taken today, a stretching session in the afternoon and the pre-match meal. Then prior to boarding the team bus in suits, the players will convene for the meeting where the team will be confirmed by Fabio.
Every effort and every attention is being made by everyone here in the England camp. I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but we will only truly know if this change has done us good at 10.15pm tonight.
Here's hoping....
Stuart Mawhinney