England's 2006 campaign in Germany is perhaps most memorable for the entourage of wives and girlfriends, led by Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole, who garnered almost as much press attention as the players.

Parreira believes England are a more focused unit under Fabio Capello and expects them to do well.

"Capello has changed the philosophy," Parreira told the Independent on Sunday.

"England have always had good players but now they have unity and focus. All this stuff about wives and girlfriends, partying - it's no good.

"When you go to a World Cup, it's like going to war. When you go to war you don't take your wife, you go prepared to win a battle.

"There is more freedom these days, with mobile phones and things but you have to focus on your job. The performance of England in qualifying was excellent, there is a new mentality surrounding the team in terms of discipline and this will help a lot.

"I really think this could be England's best chance in a long time."