And it cost us dear last week when Spain let us down badly at Wembley.

Gambling gurus will tell you to never bet on a friendly and the reasons why were horribly apparent fairly quickly last weekend.

Spain seemed content to treat the match as a possession training exercise but forgot that to score you actually have to shoot.

I doubt they will make the same mistake in a competitive match but at least it gifted Fabio Cappello a morale boosting win despite doubts over our tactics.

The lack of technique at all levels of English football means we can’t take on teams like Spain at the passing game.

We can keep our shape and frustrate better sides before trying to snatch something at a set piece or counter attack.

It isn’t pretty but Greece showed in Euro 2004 that a game plan can go all the way in a major tournament.

It’s our best chance of success but I fear “parking the bus” against Spain, Germany or Holland will see us crash out in defensive disgrace.

“Having a go” is what English football fans demand and Capello will face a torrent of abuse if we exit Euro 2012 having stunk the place out with cautious displays.

Of course if it works no-one will give a monkeys how it was achieved if our boys come home with the cup.

Now let’s try and win back some of that cash wasted on Iniesta and co.

First port of call is Carrow Road where Norwich host Arsenal and where we are expecting a goal fest.

This is a spooky parallel of England/Spain but the Canaries won’t pack the defence and will try and take Arsenal on at the passing game.

That should make for a great match and Paddy Power is offering 7/2 that there are five or more goals in the game.

Arsenal have been involved in some extraordinary score lines this season and this looks like another one so lump on and let’s hope the keepers are kept busy.

Bolton also look overpriced at 11/4 to win at West Brom who have lost three out of five at home this season where they struggle to score.

Owen Coyle’s men are no world-beaters but their 5-0 thumping of Stoke last time could be a sign of better things ahead and we’ll take the chance at that price.