I believe this:
Optimism doesn't wait on facts. It deals with prospects. Pessimism is a waste of time.
Norman Cousins.
But I worry about this: England have been installed as second favourites to win the World Cup following their impressive 3-0 win over Denmark.

What we don't need are the encumbrances of too much expectation crushing the players, or the misapprehension that as near favourites, going all the way is a mere formality. Better to feel quietly and cautiously optimistic, and for the England players and fans to be mindful of Robert Frost's words as the team progresses steadily through the tournament:

I’m a poor underdog,
But tonight I will bark
With the great Overdog
That romps through the dark.
Robert Frost (1874–1963)