July 4 1990 was the first time football broke my heart. I was six years old and spent three magical and exciting weeks watching England progress through the World Cup in Italy enthralled by Gary Lineker’s goals, the dribbles of Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley and the sheer raw genius of Gazza before West Germany killed the dream and the euphoria was replaced by sobbing. The whole nation mourned that day and some would say it was yet another “welcome to being an England fan” moment.

As a nation we haven’t reached a World Cup semi-final since but when the tears had dried and I grew up I reflected on 1990 as a moment which restored pride and joy to English football after the stadium disasters at Heysel and Hillsborough and the negativity of a hooligan element which had dragged our reputation to an embarrassing low. Our record in the most recent tournaments has been poor and has led to a palpable lack of expectation regarding what we might achieve in Russia in the next few weeks.

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It has also seen a distinct change in attitude among the players in this England squad, who have travelled with less emotional baggage than any group in living memory. That has manifested itself in the way they are approaching the challenge and exhibiting a kind of openness to the media, and therefore the public, which is almost unheard of. I was surprised and encouraged when all 23 players turned up for a Super Bowl-style press day last week, showing a maturity and understanding of how important it is to reconnect.

Maybe the FA was bearing in mind it was heading to the nation which gave us glasnost when it set up unprecedented access to its elite players, which resulted in lads like Raheem Sterling putting his sometimes difficult relationship with the media to one side and speaking openly about his optimism for the tournament and addressing issues he’s had with his public image. Instead of the fame and riches people got to see a nice kid who’s living his dream of playing for England and determined to do well for his country.

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The schism between players, fans and the media is one of the problems the modern game has created. It has made it easy for all sides to feel a lack of connection and empathy for each other, so when Danny Rose spoke so honestly about his depression I believe everyone sensed that the dynamic is changing in the England camp and trust is beginning to be re-established. It’s still early but these and other signs of improvement make me excited that this young squad can do well in Russia.

Several of them, when asked whether reaching the quarter-finals would constitute success (the stock benchmark for England teams in previous years), replied that they were going to Russia to win and what would be the point if not. There was no overconfidence, bullishness or arrogance, just a subtle self-belief and determination that suggests this squad – unburdened by expectation – will play without the fear which has crippled Three Lions teams previously.

The majority of the 23 are playing club football under the world’s best, most successful and progressive coaches

And why not? The majority of the 23 are playing club football under the guidance of the world’s best, most successful and progressive coaches. Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino have instilled in their teams the benefits of a fast transition game where the key to victory is moving the ball quickly and getting behind opponents to hurt them.

Not only that, we have in Gareth Southgate a young coach who has worked at youth and under-21 level with the FA and is familiar with many of the senior players he has helped bring through in an England shirt. The Germany team who won the last tournament grew up together in similar circumstances alongside their coach and that proved to be a crucial factor. Neither should we overlook that with Guardiola’s two-year tenure at Manchester City we also have the advantage of the Pep factor in England’s favour.

It was the Catalan coach who worked week in, week out with the Barcelona players who were such an integral part of the Spain team who conquered the world in South Africa in 2010, before he enjoyed a successful first season with Bayern Munich, who then provided a raft of talent to the Germany squad which triumphed four years ago.

Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph have become better players under Guardiola’s coaching and it’s no coincidence that England have adopted the fluid style which is the staple at City. I’m not claiming that he is responsible for two World Cup-winning teams as we all recognise the multiple factors needed to achieve the greatest accolade in the game. However, it can’t do your chances any harm to have arguably the best coach in the world on the training field every day with some of England’s key players.

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It’s not just Guardiola. Klopp has turned Trent Alexander-Arnold from a reserve to a Champions League finalist and a deserved place in England’s squad. Similarly, look at the progress of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford under Mourinho and the excellence of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier with Pochettino.

Some people were underwhelmed when Southgate was appointed but he has benefited from the expertise of club coaches in the Premier League and no one can doubt the players are with him. His straightforward approach and tactical application have seen England qualify efficiently and go into the finals with an optimism which has been absent or unjustified for some time.

Starting on Monday against Tunisia, I’ll be watching and supporting an England team who I believe may surprise us and exceed the expectation of the nation with their performances and results. No one can guarantee that football won’t break your heart but maybe, just maybe, this summer won’t be as painful as years gone by.