If the unconvincing draws against the United States and Algeria have proved anything it is that England lack technique and imagination.
They have managed just one goal in 180 minutes of football so far at the World Cup and Wayne Rooney has failed to score in more than 11 hours of England action.
Which is why against Slovenia on Wednesday, when England need a victory to be certain of going through to the last 16, manager Fabio Capello must dare to win.
It is no good sending out the same old side in the same old 4-4-2 formation and arguing it worked in the qualifying competition. It hasn't worked in South Africa.
Which is why it is time to jettison Emile Heskey, a willing worker but non-existent as a goal-scorer, and give captain Steven Gerrard a free role in the hole behind main striker Wayne Rooney.
It is time to play Joe Cole, the one Englishman with sublime touch and unpredictability on the left. Time, too, to abandon the caution which too often has seen Capello play wide men as defensive helpers rather than attacking weapons.
This is my team to play Slovenia in a flexible 4-3-3 system with the wide front men dropping back into a five-man midfield when the opposition have the ball.
David James: Solid and secure in goal against Algeria and his experience is vital in a must-win match. The defence must have confidence in the man behind them.
Glen Johnson: Not the most naturally gifted defender, but breaking from deep he can be one of England's most potent weapons.
Matthew Upson: Most likely to fill the central defensive slot left vacant by the suspended Jamie Carragher, although the fact that the formerly disaffected Carragher and the chronically injured Ledley King got in before him cannot have done much for his confidence.
John Terry: Not the towering presence of past years but still the most robust defender England possess.
Ashley Cole: Won the man-of-the-match award against Algeria and remains England's classiest and most athletic defender.
Shaun Wright-Phillips: In because Aaron Lennon has been poor and the Manchester City man gives pace as well as defensive protection for Johnson. Needs to deliver some telling crosses.
Gareth Barry: No miracle worker but did make some vital interventions to help out the back four against Algeria. England need the balance of his natural left foot.
Frank Lampard: Disappointing so far and it is time the Chelsea man brought his club form to the international stage. Where are the goals which come so easily at Stamford Bridge?
Joe Cole: Has to come in. England need attacking variety and imagination. Remember, Fabio, Joe was arguably England's best player at the last World Cup.
Steven Gerrard: Give him freedom. Let him surge. Let him play in the space off the main striker like he does for Liverpool in the hole behind Fernando Torres.
Wayne Rooney: Showed last season for Manchester United he can not only cope playing without a strike partner, but can score goals galore. Has looked frustrated and short of full fitness at this World Cup. Silly to have him tracking back to the centre circle to pick up the ball as he did against Algeria when he should be working his magic in the opposing penalty area.