Patrick Barclay: Sterling or Sturridge can strike an early blow for England

England have been slow starters in several World Cups, most notably in 1966, when they disappointed Wembley by drawing 0-0 with Uruguay.

But an exception might be worth reviewing as Roy Hodgson finalises his approach to the Italy match.

In 1982, only 27 seconds had passed when Bryan Robson scored against France. And not just any France: the France of Michel Platini who, with just a few adjustments, were to win the European Championship two years later.

Robson scored again as England ran out 3-1 winners. They went on to top the group which also featured Czechoslovakia, who were third behind France but the inspirational Manchester United midfielder, as so often, suffered from fitness problems and a second phase found Ron Greenwood’s men unable to score, allowing West Germany into the semi-finals.

There, the Germans met France and won only on penalties. It was the match in which goalkeeper Toni Schumacher so hideously barged Patrick Battiston. So the lesson for England now? Go for it. Robson, at that stage in his career, knew no other way. It was sad that injuries denied him the heights Platini hit for France.

Hodgson will have considered the pros and cons of an opening onslaught on Italy, of an attempt to dictate the terms of a contest run so well by Andrea Pirlo when the sides met two years ago. If it went wrong, it might be very costly, and there is also the argument that English pace and verve might be most effective later in the match, when the humidity has done its job on defenders’ legs.

Hodgson is unlikely to jeopardise his team’s chances of reaching the knockout stage with a mad gamble. But no one will complain if a latter-day Robson scores early — a challenge that might appeal to Daniel Sturridge or Raheem Sterling.