Mills and Sinclair lead charge of the unsung brigade

Will the real England please stand up. Which is the impostor, it can be asked after four games? That which conspired to render those watching into a virtual state of comatose against Nigeria; that which displayed such uncertainty in a woeful second half against Sweden; that which excitingly sharpened the senses against Argentina, although you supect the South Americans contributed to their own downfall? Or that which yesterday emerged with a result that will provoke many into premature claims that the World Cup is now there for the taking?

It is quite possible, of course, that with key players like captain David Beckham, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes remaining free of injury, and the confidence that is flowing through this collection of players, they could achieve that feat of becoming the first England team to attain a World Cup final on foreign soil. Because while others continue to flatter and falter, England just go about their business in the kind of pragmatic fashion we have come to expect from its Swedish architect.

At the beginning of the tournament I suggested to the national coach Sven Goran Eriksson that a tough start may not necessarily be the worst fate they could have suffered. He agreed, saying: "If we survive the group, then we'll really be firing – then we can go on because confidence is high."

So it appeared to prove at Niigata's "Big Swan" on an evening when the heavens opened and the gods looked on benignly on Eriksson and his men. Survival was always this cautious man's first aim, not establishing themselves a team of world-beaters. After the Argentina game, the Swede said that he would feel "relief" if England qualified. His aim is to diminish the sense of expectation. It is the correct approach. You can think of one or two others who may have fallen for the accolades thrown England's way after a couple of victories.

It is doubtful, for all the generous words about his players, that Eriksson actually believes that this squad is suitably equipped. Just that, with some major hindrances disappearing from England's route, they may yet face a none-too-perilous path towards the final. Certainly, it was not quite the culmination to Group F that we anticipated: Argentina eliminated and England qualifying not with the savagery of lions at a kill but sharing spoils with the Super Eagles. Nigeria were evidently more concerned with withdrawing with some vestige of pride from a tournament in which their exit date had already been confirmed, and securing England team shirts. England duly obliged.

Lest we are carried away on transports of optimism, it is pertinent to recall that Eriksson's men managed two goals, one of those a dubious penalty, the other a set-piece converted by Sol Campbell, in three qualifying games. Here, yesterday, they redressed the balance somewhat. Yet, it scarcely suggests that England can be considered a dynamic attacking force comparable to Brazil.

But there is much to admire about Eriksson's strategies, both on and off the pitch. So far as we can discern, the squad has been devoid of mischief, and Eriksson has been successful in creating a harmonious unit out of the invariable club factions which, in the past, have not always been easy to assimilate.

Another point was that it would require more than the so-called world-class talents – Beckham, Scholes and Owen – to excel for England to progress. And that, too, has been confirmed. Beckham has been playing within himself, to protect his left foot and build up his fitness. Owen enjoyed one splendid game against Argentina, and another excellent 45 minutes last night. Scholes has emerged as a priceless component of England's midfield, particularly in Liverpool's Steven Gerrard's absence, although he was unusually subdued against Denmark.

Rio Ferdinand, too, has done nothing other than enhance his standing, although the Leeds man is still capable of the occasional aberration. However, there is little doubt that England would have faltered without the contributions of the less vaunted individuals, who may have been found wanting in such circumstances. Danny Mills has been steady and undaunted by reputations down the right flank, even if he is still capable of the odd show of recklessness, as he displayed last night. Trevor Sinclair, considered England's excess baggage only a few weeks ago, has responded with burgeoning confidence to his elevation to the starting line-up and deployment in the problem left-wing position. Ashley Cole, of whom so much is expected, has not disappointed. Rarely embarrassed by the opposition winger, he is a constant creative force behind Sinclair.

Nicky Butt has demonstrated that he can be a formidable force in holding the midfield together, and has not been reluctant to exhibit a range of passing that he normally leaves to those like Roy Keane, Scholes and Juan Sebastian Veron at Old Trafford.

Yet, ultimately, if the fantasy is to become real, if England are to take those extra steps, take that historic walk on to the pitch at Yokohama in a fortnight's time, you feel that it will depend on three players maintaining their equilibrium. It comes back again to Owen, Scholes and Beckham. Two are fragile, in terms of injury; all can suffer the occasional indifferent performance.

Eriksson has six days now in which to rest them, restore them, and plot England's most significant game for years. Possibly since Sir Bobby Robson took England so agonisingly close to the final in Turin at Italia 90, 12 summers ago.

Something tells you that what started as an interesting exercise in determining England's world standing, with Germany in 2006 the more realistic target, is becoming a serious challenge for the ultimate prize.