Jo:, external Noticing a trend! The team that sings their national anthem best goes onto win the game! Sing your hearts out England!

Image source, Getty Images

Who would you rather have in your England side, Steven Gerrard or Andrea Pirlo?

Vote online at the top of this page or tweet @BBCSport, external or @BBCMOTD, external with the hashtag #gerrard or #pirlo.

The vote closes at 20:45 BST, full terms and conditions can be found here and we will announce the results at 20:50 BST.

Over-egging, over-hyped, puddings, frenzy - a marvellous first text from Robin...

Robin, Edinburgh: England will do well to match the fourth place they achieved in 1990. They are a top 10 team and carry the flag for the UK . Please don't let the 'professional' pundits talk them out of a decent World Cup by over-egging the pudding and getting over-hyped and whipped to a hot air frenzy that fizzles out because of a lousy missed penalty or something equally bizarre.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand

"I hope England play attacking open football - I want to be out of my seat like I was last night watching Netherlands. I am sure that the Italy manager will be preparing his team for our forwards to cope with pace with the likes of Danny Wellbeck and Daniel Sturridge.

"This time we are lucky and the expectations are a bit more realistic. You can see the players are relaxed, hopefully they will go out there and play to their ability. If the game is there to be won they will go for it but we've got to make sure we get points on the board before the match against Uruguay."

The other game in Group D has just kicked off in Fortaleza, and Luis Suarez has not been fit enough to start for Uruguay.

You can follow every kick in a separate live page right here on the BBC Sport website.

Image source, Getty Images

The nerves must be kicking in now. Whether this is your first World Cup or your eighth, there's nothing quite like it.

So how are we all feeling England fans? Now is your chance to have your say.

Hit us with your hopes, dreams, fears and worries. You can text us at 81111 (UK Only) or tweet us at #bbcworldcup., external

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Manaus

"The calm before the storm. The Amazon was looking magnificent on an early morning boat trip out of Manaus.

"Temperatures were around 34 degrees, it will be cooler by kick-off time but the humidity will still be stifling.

"England manager Roy Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard were in confident mood when they addressed the media in Arena Amazonia last night but after the lengthy build up the talking is over and it is time for action here in the Amazonian rainforest."

For many of you out there, this is where the World Cup really gets going as Roy Hodgson and his boys take to the field for the first time.

Moore, Lineker, Gascoigne, Banks - the World Cup can make or break an England man's career.

Will Adam Lallana, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling or Jack Wilshere seize their chance over the next few weeks?

We will begin to find out in three hours' time.

Image source, PA

'There's no pressure on England this time', they said.

'This is a young side this time', they said.

Image source, AP

'The golden generation has been and gone', they said.

Roy Hodgson and his side may have left the shores of England to little fanfare two weeks ago, but by 23:00 BST this evening millions will be very excited indeed.

Image source, Epa

It's almost time for England's World Cup opener. Italy. Manaus. BBC One.

It's here...

Manchester United's Danny Welbeck would appear to be the major fitness concern for an England squad.

Fellow forward Wayne Rooney said on Wednesday that Welbeck will be fit for England's opening game despite him picking up a thigh injury during training on Tuesday.

Italy right-back Mattia De Sciglio is out with a left thigh injury.

He is is likely to be replaced in the starting line-up by fellow AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate.