England has six weeks to win a new generation for the sport

The record is not an auspicious one. The failures echo down the years, damning those who made such bold claims on their behalf as victory on the pitch failed to translate into lasting benefit off it. Even when England win, grassroots sport often loses and any potential knock-on effect to participation numbers is squandered. It did not happen in 2003 or, for that matter, in 2005. Or, as is rapidly becoming clear, in 2012.